Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
150. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to extend from six to 12 weeks the period of a social welfare payment following the death of a dependent; the social welfare payments that are being considered for such an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62260/25]
View answerThe Government has agreed a number of commitments that are to be achieved over its lifetime.
One of the proposals in the Programme for Government is to extend the period of payment after death from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. While in general, across Social Welfare schemes, payment continues for a period of 6 weeks after death, there are some exceptions, with some payments already paid for a period of 12 weeks after the death of the recipient.
In this regard, Carer’s Allowance continues to be paid for a period of 12 weeks after the death of the person being cared for, while in the case of Domiciliary Care Allowance, payment continues for a period of 3 months after the death of the recipient.
Consideration and decisions in relation to any social protection measures contained in the Programme for Government will be taken in the context of overall funding available, the economic context, and competing Government priorities.
