Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
426. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be approved immediately for the bereaved partner's contributory pension based on the extensive evidence provided. [13790/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 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. Our records indicate that the deceased was in receipt of a payment from this Department which included an increase for living alone, at a different address to the person concerned. This pension was reviewed in 2021 when the deceased confirmed that she was living alone. She subsequently notified the department of a change of address to that of the person concerned and her living alone increase terminated in September 2022.
It was decided that the person concerned is not entitled to the Bereaved Partner's Pension as there was insufficient proof he was a qualified cohabitant, that is, that they lived together as a couple for a period of five years or more.
The Deputy requested a review of this decision and provided further documentation in support. A further review of the decision has now been carried out and the outcome remains the same. The person concerned has been notified of outcome of the review.
The person concerned has the right to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
