Marital status and social welfare entitlements
Information
For the purposes of most social welfare claims in Ireland (for example, Jobseeker's Allowance) and supplementary welfare allowance claims, unmarried couples who are living together are treated the same as married couples.
Your marital status will affect your entitlement to Widow's/Widower's Pension.
You can only claim Widow's/Widower's Pension if your husband/wife dies. You will not be entitled to this pension if you re-marry.
If you are in doubt about how your marital status will affect your claim, you should contact your local social welfare office. In the case of supplementary welfare allowance, you should contact the Community Welfare Officer in your local Health Centre or local social welfare office.
Where to apply
Further information about how your marital status will or may affect your entitlements is always available from your local social welfare office. Staff will be happy to explain your entitlements and to fill out forms.You can also contact the Community Welfare Officer at your local health centre or local social welfare office.
Language
Related Documents
- Civil partnership and social welfare entitlements
In certain situations, people in civil partnerships may be entitled to certain social welfare benefits or allowances not available to cohabiting couples. Find out more information and where to apply. - Benefits and entitlements following a death
An overview of the different social welfare benefits available when someone dies. - Checklist: People parenting alone
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.