Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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1155. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to the widow's pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57937/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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There is a general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the social welfare system. Given the contingency-based nature of this system, it can happen that a person may experience more than one contingency at the same time but, generally, they can receive only one payment. This principle is common to social security systems across the world.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of an Invalidity Pension. Invalidity Pension and Bereaved Partner's Pension are not payable concurrently. The Invalidity Pension is in payment at the maximum weekly personal rate of €249.50. Living alone allowance of €22.00, telephone support allowance of €2.50 and the fuel allowance of €33.00 are also in payment. The person concerned is also in receipt of the Household Benefits Package and Free Travel.

The person concerned would not qualify for living alone allowance or telephone support allowance on her Bereaved Partner's Pension, and the Household Benefits Package and Free Travel entitlements would also cease. These secondary benefits are not available to persons in receipt of Bereaved Partner's Pension who are under 66 years of age. Therefore it is financially more beneficial for the person concerned to remain on Invalidity Pension.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.