I was in the unlucky situation in having to arrange the Widow’s Pension for one of my families recently. It was with a heavy heart that I had to arrange this as I know it was the last thing on the mum’s mind at this time.
The steps were easy to follow and the payment of €203.50 per week was paid into the mum’s account within a few days of the application form being completed. There is also an increase in the payment of €31 when you have children under the age of 22 and in full-time education.
I know this was the main source of income my dad received when my mum passed away all those years ago and made a big difference to our family.
The purpose of the payment is to protect a family after the passing of a parent. It is also a non-means tested payment so you do not have to provide a financial statement but it is a taxable source of income.
Depending on your marital status a parent may get the State Widow’s or Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension and it is paid to either surviving spouse.
To qualify either parent’s PRSI record can be used
- You must be married or in a civil partnership before your spouse passes away (some exemptions)
- have not remarried or entered into a registered civil partnership;
- are not cohabiting with someone else; and
- satisfy the necessary payment of number and type of PRSI conditions.
For more information then go to www.welfare.ie or to download the form then click on http://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/wcp1.pdf
