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

Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension is a means-tested payment payable to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner who does not qualify for the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.

The rate of payment is €244 per week.

This is a payment for widows, widowers or surviving civil partners who do not have dependent children. People with dependent children can apply for the One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker's Transitional Payment.

You may apply for the State Pension (Non-contributory) when you reach 66 years old. This pension is taxable, but you are unlikely to pay tax if it is your only income.

To qualify, you must:

• be a widow, widower or surviving civil partner
• not be cohabiting with another person
• pass a means test
• be habitually resident in the State

Your rate of payment will depend on the outcome of the means test. The table below shows the maximum personal weekly rate of payment a person can receive if they have no income from any source.

The maximum amount payable is €244 weekly.

Pensions are paid weekly:

• 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 in your selected financial institution

You can make an application at your local Intreo Centre or social welfare branch office.

Alternatively, please fill in and print the form at the bottom of this page. Then send the completed form to:

Operational guidelines describe the processes and procedures that staff in the department follow when carrying out their work.

• Operational Guidelines: Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension
• Operational Guidelines: Payment-related issues