Financial Support in Ireland Part 3

Another source of income when a bereavement occurs is the resources of the deceased.

1. A Prepaid Funeral plan
2. Their Bank Account - If money in the bank/building society is in the deceased's name only, then you usually cannot get access to it until a probate is taken out but if it is a joint account you may be able to access funds.
3. A Post Office Account  - If the deceased had left instructions on a 'nomination form', the proceeds of the savings deposit account will be distributed according to those instructions. There are tax implications if the amount is more than 6,348.69 euro. If the investor had made a will, the proceeds will be distributed in accordance with the will. All you have to do is get a claim form from any post office and send it with the following: a death certificate, a Post Office deposit book and the original will or certified copy of the will.
4. Credit union accounts - If the deceased had a credit union account and had completed a valid Nomination Form, when opening the account, nominating someone as next of kin, the proceeds of the account up to a maximum of €23,000 go to the person or persons nominated on the form. They do not form part of the deceased's estate. The balance of the account forms part of the deceased's estate.
5. Life assurance - If an insurance policy names you as the beneficiary, then you may claim it directly from the insurance company. You need a death certificate. If there is no named beneficiary, then the proceeds form part of the overall estate of the deceased and are distributed with the other assets. Find out about different types of insurance here.
6. Occupational and personal pensions. Find out more information about pensions here.

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Financial Support in Ireland Part 2

Social welfare payments


If you were living with or were dependent on the deceased, any current benefits or payments you are getting may change, or you may be able to claim additional benefits. Depending on your income and circumstances you may be entitled to a social welfare payment in your own right, for example:

1. Financial Assistance Following Bereavement - Supports are available in Ireland to help families following bereavement.
2. Social welfare payments following a death – Some social welfare payments can continue after someone dies, where someone who was getting a certain social welfare payment dies, his or her spouse/civil partner/cohabitant may get 6 weeks of this payment after the death.
3. Widow's/Widower's Contributory Pension
4. Widow's/Widower's Non-Contributory Pension is paid to widowed people who do not qualify for a contributory pension and who pass a means test.
5. Guardian's payment is paid to the child's guardian up to the child's 18th birthday if he or she is in full-time education.
6. One Parent Family Payment can be paid to you if you are parenting alone as a result of the death of your spouse or partner. If you also qualify for a Widow's/Widower's Contributory Pension you will have to choose which payment is of most benefit to you because you cannot get both.
7. Dependent Parent's Pension is paid to a dependent parent whose supporting child dies as a result of / while suffering from a work related illness or accident.
8. Additional payments - the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme provides financial support to people with low incomes. You may qualify for a weekly supplement payment under the scheme to meet certain special needs, for example, help with rent/mortgage interest payments, special medical diets and fuel costs. In addition, payments can also be made for urgent or exceptional needs.

There are also extra credits for widowed parents in the years following the death of a spouse. 



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To check your entitlements, contact your nearest social welfare office or your nearest Citizens Information Centre. You can also phone the Citizens Information Phone Service on lo-call: 1890 777 121

Financial Support in Ireland Part 1

Both the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive (HSE) provide support services.  


Bereavement Grants

1. Widowed Parents Grant - a once-off payment to widows, widowers or surviving civil partners with dependent children. This grant is payable in addition to the Bereavement Grant for insured people.
2. Special Funeral Grant - available under the Occupational Injuries Scheme to the dependents of anyone who dies as a result of a work related accident or illness. 
3. Standard Bereavement Grant - a once-off payment made when someone dies. Eligibility for this grant is not related to your ability to pay for the funeral but is based on PRSI contributions - either yours or those of the person who has died. 

However, do note that if you are claiming the grant, you are responsible for the production of certain certificates and documents. 


For Further information click here


To check your entitlements, contact your nearest social welfare office or your nearest Citizens Information Centre. You can also phone the Citizens Information Phone Service on lo-call: 1890 777 121