Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2025
259. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on a person's application for the bereaved widows pension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54164/25]
View answerSince the 21st July 2025, surviving qualified cohabitants are eligible for Bereaved Partner's Contributory Pension, subject to other qualifying conditions.
A qualified cohabitant is one of 2 adults, who lived together as a couple in an intimate and committed relationship, who immediately before that relationship ended whether through death or otherwise, was living with the other adult as a couple, for a continuous period of at least two years where they are children of the relationship, or five years in any other case.
The Bereaved Partner's Pension application by the person concerned is currently under consideration and their case has been assigned to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate. The Inspector has been requested to expedite the completion of their investigation. When all the necessary enquiries are made and all the required information made available to the Deciding Officer, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be informed of outcome without delay.
It is also open to the person concerned to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance if the resources currently available to them are insufficient to meet their needs. Means tested supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments. If the person concerned considers that they may have an entitlement to financial support, they should contact their local Community Welfare Service for assistance. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818 607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
