Take full-control of Your Benefits

Public Services

Death Benefit Scheme

What is the Death Benefit Scheme?

The Death Benefit Scheme under the Occupational Injuries Scheme is a program aimed at providing financial support to the surviving spouse, civil partner, or dependent child of an individual who dies as a result of an accident at work or an occupational disease.

  • Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension:
    This is paid to the surviving spouse or civil partner of a person who has died due to a work-related accident or disease, or who was receiving a Disablement Pension (INV1) assessed as 50% or more at the time of death.

    The recipient cannot remarry, enter into a civil partnership, or cohabit with another person to be eligible for this pension. It is not affected by any income that the recipient may have.

  • Orphan's Pension:
    This is provided for a child if the parent, step-parent, or supporting person has died due to a work-related accident or disease, or was receiving a Disablement Pension (INV1) assessed as 50% or more at the time of their death. The orphan's guardian should apply for this payment.

  • Funeral Grant:
    This one-time payment is available to the person responsible for the funeral expenses, provided the deceased person meets the necessary conditions. This grant is not subject to taxation.

    • Rates of Payment:

    Person Claiming Rate
    Widow, widower, or surviving civil partner (under 66) €262.50 weekly
    Widow, widower, or surviving civil partner (over 66) €281.70 weekly
    Widow, widower, or surviving civil partner (over 80) €291.70 weekly
    Living alone increase aged 66 and over €22.00 weekly
    Increase for a Qualified Child (under 12) €46.00 weekly
    Increase for a Qualified Child (12 and over) €54.00 weekly
    Orphan's Pension €218.80 weekly
    Funeral grant €850.00 (one-time lump sum)

    How to Apply:

    Claims for any of the payments should be made within 3 months of the date of death, otherwise you may lose some benefit. Complete Death Benefit Scheme (OB61) form.

    Return your completed application form and relevant supporting documents to:

    Death Benefit Section:

    Address: Department of Social Protection,
    Government Buildings,
    Ballinalee Road,
    Co Longford,
    N39 E4E0

    Phone number: +353 43 334 0000 or 0818 927770