Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences in life. In addition to the emotional turmoil, there are often practical and financial considerations that come with being widowed. Here are some key things to know about what benefits and entitlements may be available if your spouse passes away.
Widow’s Pension
If your late spouse paid enough social insurance contributions during their working life, you may be entitled to a Widow’s Pension from the Department of Social Protection. This is a weekly payment to help support you financially. To qualify, you must:
- Be under age 66
- Have been married to or in a civil partnership with your late spouse
- Meet a means test based on your income and assets
- Satisfy PRSI contribution conditions based on your spouse’s record
The maximum personal rate for Widow’s Pension in 2023 is €249.80 per week. The payment continues until you remarry or enter a new civil partnership. If you have dependent children, you may also qualify for an increase for a qualified child.
Widowed Parent Grant
If you are widowed and have at least one dependent child under 18 (or 22 if in full-time education), you may qualify for the Widowed Parent Grant. This is a once-off payment to help with the costs of adjusting to life as a bereaved parent. To be eligible, you must be getting or entitled to a Widow’s/Widower’s Pension from social welfare.
In 2023, the Widowed Parent Grant is €6,700. It is not means tested and is exempt from tax. You can apply for this payment along with your application for Widow’s Pension.
Bereavement Grant
The Bereavement Grant is a lump-sum payment made to widows or widowers to assist with costs after a spouse passes away. You may qualify if your late husband, wife or partner was getting a social welfare payment such as State Pension.
To be eligible, you must be under age 66 and have been legally married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased. In 2023, the Bereavement Grant is €2,220. It is not subject to tax.
One-Parent Family Payment
If you are widowed with dependent children, you may be able to claim the One-Parent Family Payment until your youngest child reaches 7 years of age. To qualify, your child(ren) must be under 18 (or 22 if in full-time education) and you need to pass a means test.
The maximum weekly rate for One-Parent Family Payment in 2023 is €230 per week, with increases for qualified children. An advantage of this payment over Widow’s Pension is there is no restriction on remarrying.
Succession and Inheritance
As the surviving spouse, you are entitled to a share of your deceased partner’s estate under succession law. You have a legal right to:
- A house you lived in together rent-free
- Up to €16,250 from the estate
- One-third of the balance of the estate
If there is no will, you are also entitled to two-thirds of the estate where there are no surviving children. Your entitlements can be affected by the terms of any will left by your spouse.
Tax Issues
There are some important tax considerations if you have been recently widowed:
- You can carry forward any unused tax credits and standard rate cut-off point from your late spouse
- Revenue can transfer any tax refund due to your spouse to you
- You can claim exemption from Capital Acquisitions Tax on inheritances from your spouse
- You may need to deal with Capital Gains Tax if inheriting assets such as property
It’s a good idea to seek professional tax advice to ensure you claim correctly and avoid any unnecessary tax liabilities.
Pension Entitlements
You may be entitled to part of your late spouse’s occupational or personal pension. Typically, widows and widowers inherit two-thirds of any pension fund if their spouse dies before drawing down the benefits.
You should check for any death-in-service benefits from your spouse’s pension scheme. You may also have an entitlement to a widow’s or widower’s pension based on their public service employment.
Other Welfare Supports
Depending on your circumstances, other social welfare supports you may qualify for as a widow or widower include:
- Fuel Allowance – €33 per week for 28 weeks
- Free Travel Pass – free transport on public service vehicles
- Household Benefits Package – subsidies for electricity/gas, telephone and TV licence
Medical card entitlement is based on a means test of income limits. Rates of payment for welfare benefits are updated in each annual budget.
Practical Arrangements
When dealing with the death of a spouse, there are some practical steps that should be addressed:
- Register the death and obtain death certificates
- Make funeral arrangements
- Notify banks, insurance companies, pension providers
- Apply for a widow’s social welfare entitlements
- Cancel joint memberships and subscriptions
- Redirect post and update contact information
It can be useful to get advice from Citizens Information, accountants, solicitors or financial advisors when finalising your spouse’s affairs.
Support Services
Coping with bereavement and grief takes time. Make sure to avail of support services such as:
- Bereavement counselling
- Local community welfare services
- HELPLINK mental health supports
- Widow.ie online forum and helpline
- Support groups for bereaved persons
Don’t be afraid to lean on family and friends during this difficult transition in life.
Conclusion
Losing a husband or wife is incredibly tough emotionally and financially. However, there are entitlements and practical steps that can ease the burden. Make sure to explore your full entitlements as a widow or widower. Support services are also vital for dealing with grief.