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Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension

What is the Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension?

The Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension is a weekly payment provided to the spouse or civil partner of a deceased person. Either the surviving individual or the deceased partner must have sufficient social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

How to qualify for the Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension:

To qualify, the surviving individual must:

  • Be a widow, widower, or surviving civil partner.
  • Not live with another person.
  • Satisfy both the following social insurance A and B contribution conditions:

    • A: Have at least 260 paid social insurance (PRSI) contributions up to the date of the spouse or civil partner's death, or before reaching pension age (whichever comes first).

    B: Have a yearly average of either:

  • 39 paid or credited social insurance (PRSI) contributions in either the three or five years before the spouse or civil partner's death, or before reaching pension age (whichever comes first). This is known as the 'Short Yearly Average'.

    • or

  • at least 24 paid or credited social insurance (PRSI) contributions from the year of first entry into social insurance until the year of the spouse or civil partner's death, or the year of reaching pension age (whichever comes first). This is known as the 'Long Yearly Average'.

    • Note:

    Pension age, currently 66, refers to the age of the person whose insurance record is being examined.

    Alternatives If You Do Not Qualify:

    If you don't meet the qualifications for this pension, you should apply for:

  • One-Parent Family Payment if you're under 66 and have a qualified child.
  • Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension if you're under 66 and do not have a qualified child.
  • State Pension (Non-contributory) if you're aged 66 and over.

    • Rates of Payment:

    The rate of payment is determined by calculating your 'Short Yearly Average'.

  • If the average is 39 or more, you will qualify for the maximum rate.
  • If the average is less than 39, then your 'Long Yearly Average' is calculated.
  • If 'Long Yearly Average' is 48 or more, you will qualify for the maximum weekly rate.
  • If it is 47 or less, you will qualify for a reduced rate of payment.

    • Contributions Aged under 66 Aged 66 or over
    48 or more contributions €225.50 €265.30
    36-47 contributions €222.10 €260.10
    24-35 contributions €219.50 €254.00

    Pensions are paid weekly, either at your local post office using your Social Services Card or Public Services Card, or by direct payment into your current or deposit (savings) account

    How to Apply:

    You can only apply for this payment by post.

  • If you live in the Republic of Ireland, you should complete the application form and send it with your supporting documents to:

    • Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension Section

    Address: Department of Social Protection,
    College Road,
    Co Sligo,
    F91 T384

    Email: widows.con@welfare.ie
    Phone number: 071 9157100 or 0818 200400

  • If you live in an EU country or a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, and you have paid social insurance in that country, you should apply to the social security agency in that country.

    • They will send details of your application and relevant social insurance records to Ireland.

    Note: It is recommended that you apply for this pension as soon as possible after your spouse or civil partner dies and no later than six months after their death.

    Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension (WCP1)