Bereavement Grants & Financial Support
Information about financial assistance available to bereaved families in Ireland
Financial Support for Bereaved Families
Losing a loved one brings not only emotional challenges but also financial considerations. While the Bereavement Grant was discontinued in 2014, there are still several forms of financial assistance that may be available to you depending on your circumstances.
Important Note About Bereavement Grant
The Bereavement Grant from the Department of Social Protection was discontinued on 1st January 2014. This grant previously provided €850 towards funeral expenses, but is no longer available for deaths occurring after this date.
However, you may still be entitled to other forms of assistance and support.
Alternative Financial Supports
1. Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension
If your spouse or civil partner has died, you may be entitled to a pension payment. There are two types:
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension
- Based on your late spouse's PRSI contributions
- Weekly payment of up to €277 (2026 rates)
- May include additional payments for dependent children
- Contact: Department of Social Protection
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non-Contributory Pension
- Means-tested payment
- For those who don't qualify for contributory pension
- Weekly payment of up to €232 (2026 rates)
- Contact: Department of Social Protection
2. Guardian's Payment
If you are caring for a child whose parent(s) have died:
Guardian's Payment (Contributory)
- Based on deceased parent's PRSI contributions
- €182 per month per child
- Paid until child is 18 (or 22 if in full-time education)
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory)
- Means-tested
- For those who don't qualify for contributory payment
- €182 per month per child
3. Supplementary Welfare Allowance
This is a means-tested payment that can help with:
- Exceptional and urgent expenses
- Living expenses if you have no other income
- May help with funeral costs in certain circumstances
Contact your local Community Welfare Officer at your nearest Intreo Centre or Health Centre.
4. Credit Union Death Benefit
If the deceased was a member of a credit union, check if they had:
- Life savings insurance (usually 100% of savings up to a limit)
- Loan protection insurance (clears outstanding loans)
- Death benefit insurance
Contact the credit union as soon as possible with the death certificate.
5. Trade Union Death Benefits
Many trade unions offer death benefits to members and their families:
- Lump sum payments
- Funeral cost assistance
- Family support grants
Check with the deceased's trade union if they were a member.
6. Occupational Pension Benefits
If the deceased had an occupational pension:
- Spouse's/dependant's pension may be payable
- Lump sum death benefits may be available
- Contact the pension scheme administrator
7. Life Insurance Policies
Check if the deceased had:
- Mortgage protection insurance
- Life insurance policies
- Accident and death cover
- Credit card insurance
Contact each insurance provider with certified copies of the death certificate.
Medical Card Holders
If the deceased held a medical card, this does not provide financial assistance with funeral costs. However, families on very low incomes may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (see above).
How We Can Help
At Jennings Funeral Directors, we understand that funeral costs can be a concern, especially at such a difficult time. We can help by:
Payment Flexibility
- Discussing payment options with you
- Offering payment plans in certain circumstances
- Providing detailed, transparent cost breakdowns
- Helping you make cost-effective choices
Grant Application Assistance
- Providing the documentation you need for applications
- Explaining what financial supports might be available
- Offering guidance on the application process
- Providing certified copies of documents when required
Cost Guidance
- Helping you understand the full costs involved
- Explaining disbursement fees (church, cemetery, crematorium)
- Offering a range of options to suit different budgets
- Ensuring no hidden costs or surprises
Making Funeral Costs Manageable
We believe that everyone deserves a dignified funeral regardless of financial circumstances. We offer:
- Simple, affordable funeral packages
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Flexibility in choosing service elements
- Guidance on cost-saving options without compromising dignity
Claiming Benefits - What You'll Need
When claiming any bereavement benefits, you'll typically need:
- Death certificate (certified copy)
- Deceased's PPS number
- Deceased's birth certificate
- Your own PPS number and identification
- Marriage certificate (if claiming as spouse)
- Child's birth certificates (if claiming for dependants)
- Proof of residence
- Bank account details
We can provide certified copies of documentation and guide you on what's needed for each application.
Important Contacts
Department of Social Protection
- Phone: 0818 607 080 (local call rates)
- Website: gov.ie/dsp
- LoCall: 1890 500 000
Citizens Information
- Phone: 0818 07 4000
- Website: citizensinformation.ie
- Local offices throughout Dublin
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
- Phone: 0818 07 2000
- Website: mabs.ie
- Free, confidential money advice
Get in Touch
If you have questions about funeral costs or would like to discuss payment options, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you through this difficult time and will work with you to arrange a fitting funeral within your means.
Our commitment is to treat every family with dignity, compassion and respect, regardless of their financial circumstances.