Financial assistance following a bereavement

Information

A bereavement may leave dependants in short- or long-term financial need. There are certain once-off payments in Ireland (provided by your Health Service Executive (HSE) Area and social welfare office) that are available to help out families during this difficult time.

You must fulfil certain PRSI requirements to be eligible for some of the social welfare payments. You may be eligible for other HSE payments if you pass a means test or if you are in urgent need no matter what your means. If you have long-term needs, you may qualify for short- or long-term social welfare payments or for Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplements

Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplements

If you have difficulty in meeting your rent or mortgage payments, you may be eligible for this supplement. For more details check the page on Mortgage Protection.

Short- or long-term social welfare payment

You may also be eligible for continued payment of the deceased's social welfare payment after his/her death or for a longer term social welfare pension, allowance or payment.

Further information

Information for those affected by bereavement (pdf) is a 2011 publication produced by the Citizens Information Board. The booklet has been specially written to assist those following a bereavement. It includes information on managing your money and dealing with finanancial difficulties, dealing with the deceased's debts, dormant bank accounts, legal matters, inheritance, wills, etc. This booklet is also available from your nearest Citizen Information Centre.