Currently only the bereaved partner of a married couple can access the Widow's/Widowers pension, but thanks to a Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 after a successful case taken by John O'Meara and his 3 children, the Government have been ordered to end the discrimination to non-marital families.
The government have developed legislation called the
Bereaved Partners Pension which will extend the Pension entitlement to the bereaved partner of cohabiting couples (those not married to each other).
Despite this,
one year since the ruling of the Supreme Court on
22nd January, many grieving partners are still being refused the much needed pension despite the Supreme Court order.
Their applications to the Department of Social Protection are still be refused as they do not meet the criteria for the existing Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension.
We are urging TD's and senators to act now and ensure that cohabiting couples are no longer discriminated against, and that the legislation lives up to its promise. We need the
Bereaved Partners Pension Bill enacted once and for all - let us not wait another year to do the right thing.
Grief doesn't discriminate - so neither should the pension.
Once you've signed this petition, please take the time to email your TDs about this issue here – it'll only take a minute to do, you just need to click a few buttons. Please click here to email your TDs.
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