Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department recognises the need for a transition period during which people can grieve and plan for a life following the death of a family member. Within the social welfare system, there are a number of supports for those in receipt of a pension who suffer a bereavement. In particular, there is an arrangement known as the six-weeks payment after death which allows for certain payments to continue to be made after a person dies.

The provisions for a continued payment after death, for customers with a spouse/civil partner/co-habitant, are set out in Section 248(2)(a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. With regard to pensions, to qualify for the six-weeks payment after death, the spouse/partner must be either be a qualified adult on the deceased person’s pension payment or a customer in receipt of a payment in his/her own right.

If the person was in receipt of an additional allowance for a qualified child, and that child dies, the Increase for a Qualified Child payment will continue for six weeks. The provisions for a continued payment after death, for customers with a qualified child are set out in Section 248(2)(b) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.