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

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

The Widow's, Widower's, or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-contributory) Pension is a means-tested payment provided to a widow, widower, or surviving civil partner who doesn't qualify for the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension or who don't have dependent children.

If you have dependent children, you can apply for the One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker's Transitional Payment instead.

When you reach 66 years of age, you may apply for the State Pension (Non-contributory).

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

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a widow, widower, or surviving civil partner.
  • Not be cohabiting with another person.
  • Pass a means test, which assesses your income and assets to determine your eligibility for this pension.
  • Be habitually resident in the State, meaning you live there and have a strong degree of connection to the country.

    • Rates of Payment:

    Your rate of payment is determined by the results of the means test. If you receive no income the standard rate of payment is €220 per week.

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

    How to Apply:

    Fill in the form then send the completed form to:

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

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

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

    You can also make an application at your local Intreo Centre.