Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
722. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision made in the case of a claim for a bereaved partners contributory pension can be re-examined in light of the exceptional circumstances of the person’s case (details supplied). [15002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo 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 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 during the period concerned. In addition the person concerned was in receipt of One Parent Family Payment and stated on her application form that she cohabited with the deceased from December 2015 to August 2016.
It was decided that the person concerned is not entitled to the Bereaved Partner's Pension as there is insufficient proof that she is a qualified cohabitant, that is they lived together for a continuous period of 2 years or more.
As requested a review of the decision was carried out and the person concerned was interviewed by an outdoor inspector in my Department. The review is now complete, however the outcome remains the same. The person concerned has been notified of outcome of review and has 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.
