Partner under 66
€284.50 a week
Death Benefit pays more than the ordinary Bereaved Partner's Pension. It can also be paid if the person was getting a Disablement Pension assessed at 50% or more, whatever the cause of death.
Quick facts
- Partner under 66
- €284.50 a week
- Partner over 66
- €303.70 a week
- Partner over 80
- €313.70 a week
- Orphan's Pension
- €240.80 a week
- Funeral Grant
- €850 once-off
- Claim within
- 3 months of the death
Who can get it — the full rules
It is paid when a person dies because of an accident at work or an occupational disease. It is also paid if they were getting a Disablement Pension assessed at 50% or more.
To get the Bereaved Partner's Pension you must be the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the person who died. A cohabitant must have lived with them for at least 5 years, or 2 years if you have dependent children together.
An Orphan's Pension is paid for a child whose parent, step-parent or supporter died this way. The child's guardian applies.
How much it pays (2026)
A bereaved partner gets €284.50 a week under 66, €303.70 over 66 and €313.70 over 80. Child Support Payments are added: €58 a week for each child under 12 and €78 for each child aged 12 or over, at the full rate.
The Orphan's Pension is €240.80 a week. A once-off Funeral Grant of €850 goes to the person who pays for the funeral.
The pension is not affected by any other income you have. It is taxable.
How to apply
Apply within 3 months of the death
Claims should be made within 3 months of the date of death, or you may lose some benefit.
Get the Death Benefit under OIB form
Use claim form OB 61. You can get it on gov.ie, or from your local Intreo Office or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Send it to the Death Benefit Section
Post the completed form, with your supporting documents, to the Death Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 E4E0. Questions: WorkRelatedDeathBenefit@welfare.ie or 0818 927770.
Guardians apply for an Orphan's Pension
If you are bringing up the child, you make the Orphan's Pension claim on their behalf.
Things to watch
If you remarry or start to cohabit, the pension will no longer be paid. It also cannot be paid at the same time as a Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension.
Late claims lose money. For cohabitants whose partner died before July 2025, a late claim can now only be backdated 6 months from the date you apply.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Death Benefit Section
- 0818 927770
- Death Benefit Section
- 043 334 0000
- Death Benefit Section
- WorkRelatedDeathBenefit@welfare.ie
- Claim form, within 3 months of the death
- OB 61
- Send the form and documents to
- Death Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 E4E0
- If you are refused
- Appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.
From the official pages (gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is Death Benefit in Ireland?
It is a set of payments for the family of someone who died from a work accident or occupational disease. It includes a Bereaved Partner's Pension, an Orphan's Pension and a Funeral Grant.
How much is the Death Benefit pension in 2026?
€284.50 a week for a partner under 66, €303.70 over 66 and €313.70 over 80, plus Child Support Payments.
Is Death Benefit means tested?
No. The pension is not affected by any income you may have, but it is taxable.
Can cohabiting partners get Death Benefit?
Yes, if you lived together for at least 5 years, or 2 years if you have dependent children together.