Not enough Contributions for widows pension

Gael23

Appears that you need a minimum average of 24 contributions to qualify for the widows pension. What happens if you have less than this? The woman’s husband entered semi state employment so didn’t have the required stamp most of his working life. They were getting about half the state pension along with a small pension from a semi state body which is now cut in half.

isnshe better to stay on the state pension?

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058294691/not-enough-contributions-for-widows-pension

Is she over 66? If she is she should apply for the Non-Con State pension. It’s means tested and the small pension from the semi state body will be deducted from the max amount of non-con pension (€254) € for €.

So if the small pension is say €90 per week then her non con pension will be €164 per week.

Her savings will also come into play here. Any savings over €20000 or a second property or stocks and shares etc will incur further penalties.

If she’s living alone you can add €22 per week to the pension amount and the Fuel Allowance (also means tested) of €33.

So she should apply for the non con pension and see how much they award her. Depending on the amount of the other small pension and the savings, property etc she may be better off stating as she is. Hope this helps.

Gael23

Yes shes 82

I think pension is around €150 per week but reading since I posted Semi State bodies Class D PRSI does appear to count towards widows pension if I am correct? Her husband was in private sector employment for about 10 years before joining the ESB

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120545835#Comment_120545835

Is it the ESB pension that’s now €150 or the DSP State Pension that’s €150? Has she any contributions herself?

Oh the Non Con is +€10 as she’s over 80.

Just re reading your OP again. Did she actually apply for a widows pension and was refused or are ye just discussing it? Easiest thing to do is just apply for both non con state pension and widows con at the same time

Gael23

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120545995#Comment_120545995

Yes half ESB pension is approx €150 per week. She left work on marriage in 1965 as was the custom at the time and got a gratuity for PRSI contributions uo to that point

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120546859#Comment_120546859

So if she goes for a non con pension then that will be €264+€22 living alone increase plus possibly €33 Fuel allowance less €150 occupational pension + less any other penalties for savings in excess of €20000/other incomes.