Widow not eligible for Widows Pension

Gael23

Where a widow is not eligible for the widow’s contributioty pension due to her husband not having enough PRSI what are you entitled to?

Can she get the contributory state pension using his stamps? He had a yearly average of 18 contributions and you need at least 24 for widows pension.

Ginger83

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058337159/widow-not-eligible-for-widows-pension

I cannot answer your question but can I ask what is the requirements for widows pension? Is age a factor?

gipi

If the widow is or was working, she can apply based on her own PRSI record.

(By the way, PRSI is the same as stamps)

If there aren't enough contributions, she can apply for non-contributory widow's pension, which is means tested.

@Ginger83, the qualifying criteria for contributory widow's pension (or widower's pension) is sufficient PRSI contributions, and not cohabiting with someone. Age isn't an issue.

Ginger83

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121795511#Comment_121795511

Thanks. My wife gave up work to care for me and will apply one day

Would you know how many stamps are required and if my stamps might help her?

gipi

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/death-related-benefits/widowed-persons-contrib-pension/

The link above should be of assistance. Either your PRSI record or your wife's record can be used, but they can't be combined.

Gael23

Can you get the state contributory pension with your late spouses contributions

gipi

No, you can only get the state contributory pension based on your own record.

rubberdungeon

If you provided full-time care to someone who was ill or disabled, you may be entitled to apply for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods or for Long-Term Carers Contribution Periods to fill the gap in your contribution record when applying for your pension.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f64f2-long-term-carers-and-state-pension-contributory/

beachhead

Look into above schemes now and ask Citizens Information for advice or direct with the DSP.Your wife will need her employment records-employers name,address,dates.She should ask for her PRSI contribution record as it is at the moment-just to have the info now and look for errors.Best to have all the info in one place when time to claim arrives.

Ginger83

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121796235#Comment_121796235

Who would my wife ask for her PRSI record?

rubberdungeon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121805517#Comment_121805517

Record of your contributions

Your PRSI and credited contributions are recorded on your social insurance record by the Department of Social Protection. You can request your record of contributions, known as a ‘Contribution Statement’ on MyWelfare.ie.

or

You can make a paper application

Welfare records.pdf

Gael23

What I didn’t know is that class D contributions qualify you for the widows pension, these don’t count towards state pension so including those years changes the picture entirely provided the class A stamps can be combined