Government supports after a bereavement (Ireland)

1. Was the deceased getting a DSP payment or State pension? (That can trigger continuing payments / bereavement-related entitlements.)
2. Are you the bereaved spouse/partner (including civil partner)? If yes, check the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.
3. Are there dependent children? If yes, check Guardian’s Payment and tax supports.
4. Did the death happen due to a workplace accident / occupational cause? If yes, check Occupational Injuries schemes.
5. Are you struggling with immediate costs (rent, bills, funeral costs)? If yes, check Additional Needs Payment and housing supports.
6. Has your household income dropped enough that you may qualify for a Medical Card / GP Visit Card?

• Death certificate (or official confirmation document where required)
• Your photo ID
• PPS numbers (yours and the deceased, if available)
• Bank details (IBAN) for payments
• Proof of relationship (marriage/civil partnership cert, children’s birth certs if relevant)
• Any DSP reference numbers, claim numbers, or previous correspondence
• If income has dropped: recent payslips / proof of current income, rent details, utility bills

The DSP provides a set of income supports following a bereavement. Start here: gov.ie — Income supports following a bereavement.

Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension (weekly payment)

This is a weekly payment for a widow, widower, surviving civil partner or surviving qualified cohabitant (subject to PRSI conditions). Official page: gov.ie — Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.

Other DSP supports that commonly show up

• If a DSP payment was in place, there may be rules about how payments continue/stop and what can transfer. Citizens Information provides a clear overview: citizensinformation.ie — Death-related benefits.
• If you are unsure which DSP support applies, use myWelfare + Intreo to get directed to the right claim path.

Guardian’s Payment

Guardian’s Payment is designed for children in specific circumstances and can be contributory or non-contributory. Official DSP page: gov.ie — Guardian’s Payment.

Citizens Information explains how guardian/orphan-related payments work and the typical conditions: citizensinformation.ie — Guardian’s and orphan’s payments.

Tax supports for a bereaved parent

If you have dependent children, you may qualify for the Widowed Parent Tax Credit (available for five years after bereavement, with different amounts each year). Official Revenue page: revenue.ie — Widowed Parent Tax Credit.

The Additional Needs Payment (under Supplementary Welfare Allowance) can help with essential, exceptional costs — and is the route often referenced for help towards funeral expenses where people cannot cover the cost.

How to ask (so you get a real answer)

• “I need help with essential costs I can’t meet from my income — can you assess me for an Additional Needs Payment?”
• “What exact documents do you need, and how quickly can a decision be made?”
• “If I’m not eligible, what other supports should I apply for instead?”

DSP’s Occupational Injuries Scheme includes a Death Benefit Scheme. If there is any possibility the death was linked to work (directly or indirectly), review the official guidance: gov.ie — Death Benefit Scheme (Occupational Injuries).

If you are renting privately and cannot meet housing costs from your income, DSP provides Rent Supplement in some situations: gov.ie — Rent Supplement.

HAP (Housing Assistance Payment)

For longer-term housing need, many people should explore HAP through their local authority: hap.ie — Housing Assistance Payment.

A bereavement can change household income and circumstances. If costs are rising and income has fallen, check eligibility for a Medical Card (or GP Visit Card).

Widowed Parent Tax Credit (dependent children)

If you have dependent children, check this first — it’s one of the clearest bereavement-linked credits: revenue.ie — Widowed Parent Tax Credit.

Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT): thresholds

If you are receiving an inheritance/gift, Revenue lists the current CAT thresholds by group (A/B/C): revenue.ie — CAT thresholds.

1) myWelfare (online)

Many DSP supports route through myWelfare. It’s a good starting point for online applications, including Additional Needs Payment: myWelfare — Additional Needs Payment.

2) Intreo Centre (in-person support)

If you’re overwhelmed, dealing with low income, or unsure what applies, Intreo can help you navigate the right scheme and documentation.

3) Citizens Information (independent guidance)

Citizens Information is excellent for explaining what you can claim and how schemes interact. Start with: citizensinformation.ie — Death-related benefits.

• Not applying because you’re unsure you qualify. Apply and let the agency confirm.
• Only asking for one support. Always ask for a “full check” of supports in your situation.
• No reference number / no timeline. Without both, follow-ups become guesswork.
• Leaving urgent supports too late. If rent/bills are at risk, start with Additional Needs Payment and housing supports immediately.
• Skipping Revenue/HSE checks. A changed household income can unlock credits and Medical Card eligibility.

1. If you need the admin checklist (registrations, notifications, documents), use: What to do after a death (Ireland).
2. For estate basics and legal planning: Legal & estate basics (Ireland).
3. If you need emotional support and services: Bereavement support (Ireland).