Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
674. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if the widowed or surviving civil partner grant can be made payable to the guardian of the dependent child where the widow has abandoned the dependent child and where the grant would be of huge benefit to the child to assist with educational expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35665/23]
View answerThe Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner grant is a once-off payment of €8000 and is available to widows, widowers or surviving civil partners who have one or more dependent children living with them at the date of death, or a widow or surviving civil partner whose child is born within 10 months of the date of death of her spouse or civil partner. The applicant must also qualify for certain Social Protection payments.
The widowed or surviving civil partner grant is governed by legislation and is not payable other than in the circumstances outline in the legislation. Under the current scheme rules, a guardian is not eligible for the widowed or surviving civil partner grant.
Awarding the widowed or surviving civil partner grant to people who are not legally widows, widowers or surviving civil partners would involve a significant income support policy change. The basis on which a person would become entitled to the grant, would require significant consideration, and raise complex legal and administrative challenges.
Any decision to award the widowed or surviving civil partner grant in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy would have to take the above into consideration as well as any increased budgetary requirements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
