Death related benefits
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An overview of the different social welfare benefits available when someone dies.
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A Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension can be paid if either the deceased person or their partner has enough PRSI contributions. This payment was called the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension. It was extended in 2025 to include partners who are not married. -
A Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension is a means-tested payment paid to a surviving partner without dependent children. This payment was called the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension. It was extended in 2025 to include partners who are not married. -
The Bereaved Parent Grant is a once-off payment to widows, widowers, surviving civil partners and surviving cohabitants with dependent children. It was called the Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner’s Grant. It was renamed in 2025 when it was extended to include partners who are not married. -
A Guardian's Payment or Orphan's Pension may be made to a person taking care of an orphan. In some cases it can be paid directly to the orphan. -
If a person dies because of an accident at work or occupational disease, Death Benefit may be paid to their partner or dependent child. -
Covers the Special Funeral Grant available under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme to the dependants of anyone who dies as a result of a work related accident or illness. -
What happens to social welfare payments in Ireland following a death? Find out which payments continue for 6 weeks following a death, and how to apply.