Joan Burton
Question:17 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the improvements the Government intends to make in the widow's and widower's pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19508/02]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
The Government is committed to bringing the maximum rate of the widow's and widower's contributory pension for those over 66 years of age into line with that of the old age contributory pension. A number of special increases have been granted in recent budgets in pursuit of this objective and the maximum rate now stands at €144.80 per week against a rate of €147.30 for the old age contributory pension.
Widows and widowers are also benefiting from the improvements in the free schemes which were announced in budget 2001. Under these arrangements all persons aged over 70 years of age are entitled to the full range of these non-cash benefits regardless of their means or household composition.
In budget 2000, a new scheme was introduced, the widowed parent grant, to help with the special needs of this particular group in the immediate aftermath of a bereavement. This involves the payment of a special grant of €2,500 to a widow or widower with dependent children.
The increase in the rates of child benefit are of benefit to widows and widowers with children. Since 1997, the monthly rates of child benefit have been increased threefold. Since April this year, monthly child benefit payments are €117.60 per month for each of the first and second children and €147.30 per month for the third and subsequent children.
In addition, there are special arrangements in place whereby an individual in receipt of a widow's or widower's pension or one-parent family payment may also receive half-rate disability benefit or unemployment benefit in addition to his or her pension. This provision applies where the person satisfies the relevant contribution conditions and dual payment can continue for up to 15 months.
Social welfare provision for widows and widowers will be kept under review and further improvements will be considered in a budgetary context.