🕊️ Can I claim a widow's or bereaved partner's pension in Ireland?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes in most cases — the renamed Bereaved Partner's Pension now covers cohabitants too. In July 2025 the former Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension was renamed the Bereaved Partner's Pension and extended to qualifying cohabitants. The Contributory (PRSI-based) version pays up to €259.50 a week (under 66) or €299.30 (66+) with a full record, plus child increases of €58/€78 — and it's payable regardless of other income (but taxable). The Non-Contributory (means-tested) version pays up to €254 a week for a bereaved partner under 66. For the contributory pension you or your late partner need at least 260 paid PRSI contributions plus the yearly average; cohabitants must have lived together 5 years (or 2 with a child). The pension stops if you remarry or cohabit. In short: yes, via PRSI or the means-tested route.

📋 The rules

Now the Bereaved Partner's Pension (renamed July 2025)
Covers spouses, civil partners and cohabitants
Contributory rate up to €259.50 (under 66) / €299.30 (66+)
Non-contributory (means-tested) up to €254 a week
Stops if you remarry or cohabit

🔓 Exceptions

Cohabitants need 5 years together (or 2 with a dependent child)
Backdating possible for partners bereaved before July 2025
Can be held with half-rate Carer's Allowance or Maternity Benefit

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The Contributory pension needs at least 260 paid PRSI contributions (yours or your late partner's) plus the required yearly average, and is payable regardless of other income but is taxable. The Non-Contributory version is means-tested — it disregards the first €7.60 a week of means and the first €100 a week of employment earnings. You must report changes of circumstances or risk repaying an overpayment, and the pension stops if you remarry or cohabit. An automatic €10 increase applies at age 80. Beware a myth: "you must have been married to claim" is false since July 2025 — qualifying cohabitants (5 years together, or 2 with a child) can now claim under the renamed pension. To claim: apply to the DSP with your PRSI or means details.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is there still a widow's pension in Ireland?

Yes, but it's now called the Bereaved Partner's Pension. In July 2025, the former Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension was renamed and extended to include qualifying cohabitants. There are two versions: a contributory pension based on PRSI, and a means-tested non-contributory pension for those without enough contributions.

How much is the contributory pension?

With a full PRSI record of 48 or more contributions, the contributory Bereaved Partner's Pension pays up to €259.50 a week if you're under 66, or €299.30 if you're 66 or over, in 2026. Lower rates apply with fewer contributions. There are also increases of €58 or €78 a week for child dependants.

Can cohabiting partners claim now?

Yes. Since July 2025, qualifying cohabitants can claim the Bereaved Partner's Pension, not just spouses and civil partners. To qualify as a cohabitant, you generally must have lived together for five years, or two years if you have a dependent child together. This was a significant extension of the previous rules.

Is the pension means-tested?

It depends which one. The contributory pension is based on PRSI contributions and is paid regardless of your other income, though it's taxable. The non-contributory version is means-tested, for people without enough contributions, paying up to €254 a week for a bereaved partner under 66, subject to an assessment of income and savings.

Does the pension stop if I move on?

Yes. The Bereaved Partner's Pension stops if you remarry, enter a new civil partnership, or begin cohabiting with a new partner. You must report any change in your circumstances to the Department of Social Protection, as failing to do so could lead to an overpayment that you'd have to repay.

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