Funeral Grants

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Additional Needs Payment

You may qualify for the Additional Needs Grant to assist with funeral expenses if you are on a low income. 

Each application is assessed individually. While the Community Welfare Service encourages applying before the funeral, in reality, most applications are submitted afterward.

In many cases, payment or a grant cannot be issued until all required documentation has been provided. If you are applying for the grant, it is your responsibility to supply the necessary certificates, documents, and information, such as:

• Death certificate

• Birth certificate

• Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate (to confirm your relationship to the deceased)

• Funeral receipts

• The deceased person’s Personal Public Service (PPS) number

• Your own PPS number may also be needed

If you were living with or financially dependent on the deceased, your current benefits may be affected, or you might become eligible for additional support. Depending on your income and situation, you may qualify for a social welfare payment in your own right.

Support is only available for the essential elements of a dignified funeral. Please consult with us before making any financial commitments related to funeral arrangements.

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Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant

The Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant is a one-time payment available to widows, widowers, or surviving civil partners who have dependent children.

You may be eligible for this grant if your spouse or civil partner has passed away and you have dependent children under the age of 18, or under 22 if they are in full-time education.

You may also qualify if you are receiving certain social welfare payments. However, this grant is not available if you and your partner were cohabiting but not married or in a civil partnership.

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To be eligible, you must also be receiving one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension

• One-Parent Family Payment

• Death Benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme

• A Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension under EU regulations or a bilateral social security agreement between Ireland and another country

• State Pension (Non-Contributory)

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The grant is a once-off payment of €8,000.
To apply, complete form WPG1. For more details, visit the Department’s website.

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Special Funeral Grant

If someone dies at work, a Special Funeral Grant is available under the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme.

To be eligible for this grant, the death must have resulted from:

• An accident at work, an accident while travelling directly to or from work,  or an occupational disease.

• The person must have paid a minimum of one week's PRSI contributions.

This special funeral grant is paid under the Occupational Injuries Benefits scheme and may be available to the person who pays the funeral expenses. Special Funeral Grant: €850

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Other Payments

Death Benefit Scheme

Provides financial supports to dependents of someone who died due to a workplace accident, occupational disease, or while receiving a high-level Disablement Benefit.

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Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (under Death Benefit Scheme)

Weekly payment for a surviving spouse or civil partner if the deceased died from a work-related cause or had significant disablement.

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Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension

A means-tested weekly payment for those under 66 without dependent children who do not qualify for the contributory version.

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Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension

Weekly payment based on PRSI contributions of the deceased or surviving partner. Cannot be claimed while cohabiting with a new partner.

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Guardian’s and Orphan’s Payments

Payment for individuals caring for an orphan, either contributory (based on PRSI) or non-contributory (means-tested). Can be paid directly to orphans aged 18–22 in full-time education.

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One-Parent Family Payment (OFP)

Means-tested payment for those parenting alone after a partner’s death. Payable for up to 2 years or until the youngest child turns 18.

Continuation of Social Welfare Payments

Some welfare payments may continue for 6 weeks after a person’s death if the surviving partner is a qualified dependent or carer.

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Credit Union Death Benefit Insurance (DBI)

Lump-sum benefit (€1,300–€3,250) for eligible Credit Union members. Coverage continues as long as membership and annual premiums are maintained.