Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension
A weekly pension for a bereaved spouse, civil partner or qualifying cohabitant, based on PRSI contributions. Formerly the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension.
- Type
- Based on PRSI
- Paid
- Every week
- Taxable
- Yes
- Administered by
- Department of Social Protection
How much is Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension?
€259.50/week
48 or more contributions, aged under 66
| 48 or more contributions, aged 66 and over | €299.30/week |
|---|---|
| 36–47 contributions, aged under 66 | €255.50/week |
| 36–47 contributions, aged 66 and over | €293.50/week |
| 24–35 contributions, aged under 66 | €252.60/week |
| 24–35 contributions, aged 66 and over | €286.60/week |
Increases you may also get
| Child Support Payment: child under 12 | €58/week |
|---|---|
| Child Support Payment: child 12 or over | €78/week |
Budget 2027: from January 2027
Amounts a week. Announced, not yet in force. Until January 2027 you are paid the current rate.
| Rate | Now | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 48 or more contributions, aged under 66 | €259.50 | €269.50 |
| 48 or more contributions, aged 66 and over | €299.30 | Not yet published |
| 36–47 contributions, aged under 66 | €255.50 | Not yet published |
| 36–47 contributions, aged 66 and over | €293.50 | Not yet published |
| 24–35 contributions, aged under 66 | €252.60 | Not yet published |
| 24–35 contributions, aged 66 and over | €286.60 | Not yet published |
| Child Support Payment: child under 12 | €58 | €64 |
| Child Support Payment: child 12 or over | €78 | €84 |
DSP's Budget 2027 tables publish the maximum rates only. It says reduced rates rise proportionately but does not list them; we show them when DSP publishes the full rates. For people aged 66 and over DSP lists €309.30 a week (aged 66 to 79) and €319.30 (aged 80 and over).
Read from Department of Social Protection, Budget 2027, checked .
Your rate is based on either your own or your late partner's PRSI record, whichever gives more.
Who can get Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension
- You must be a bereaved spouse, civil partner, or a cohabitant who meets the qualifying conditions.
- Either you or your late partner must have enough PRSI contributions.
- You must not be cohabiting with someone else.
Is Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension means tested?
Not means-tested. It depends on PRSI contributions, either yours or your late partner's.
Things people get caught by
- Cohabiting with a new partner ends entitlement.
- The pension can be based on your late partner's PRSI record if that gives a better rate than your own.
What else you might get
Payments interact. These are the ones that commonly go with Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension.
- Free Travel
Available with this pension.
- Household Benefits Package
If you meet the conditions.
- Fuel Allowance
If you meet the Fuel Allowance means test.