Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
645. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application (details supplied) for the bereaved partners contributory pension can be reviewed and awarded given that the applicant has demonstrated and provided all possible evidence that they co-habited with their partner for in excess of five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17132/26]
View answerIn order to qualify for Bereaved Partner’s Contributory Pension, a person must be a bereaved partner, that is a widow, widower, surviving civil partner, or since 21st July 2025, a surviving qualified cohabitant, 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, for a continuous period of or two years or more, where there are children of the relationship, or five years in any other case.
In determining whether a person is a qualified cohabitant, the deciding officer will take into account any evidence presented including information available from department records.
It was decided that the person concerned is not entitled to the Bereaved Partner's Pension as there is insufficient proof she was a qualified cohabitant, that is, that they lived together as a couple for a continuous period of five years or more, prior to the death of the deceased.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and provided further documentation in support of her claim. The review is now complete, however the outcome remains the same. The person concerned has been notified of outcome of the review and has also been advised it is open to her to provide any other documentation that evidences her address for the period concerned. They have also been advised they have the right to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
