Kildare’s Grieving Families Still Waiting For Widow’s Pension Access A Year After Court Ruling

Thursday, 23 January 2025 10:39

By Martin Osborne

More than 150,000 cohabiting couples in Ireland, many with children, are waiting for this financial support.

Some families in Kildare are in "real financial distress" as they wait for the Bereaved Partners Pension Bill to be passed.

The bill would allow cohabiting partners to access the Widow’s/Widower’s Pension, which they’re currently denied.

Treoir is urging the new government to pass the bill for greater equality, especially for families who've already faced loss.

The bill would include cohabiting partners, backdate payments, and set fair eligibility criteria.

More than 150,000 cohabiting couples in Ireland, many with children, are waiting for this financial support.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Treoir's Sinead Murray said the delay continues to cause hardship for grieving families.

This week marks the one-year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in favour of John O’Meara and his children, which recognised the rights of cohabiting partners to access the Widow’s / Widower’s Pension, and resulted in commitment to the Bereaved Partners Pension Bill.

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