A landmark court ruling has forced the Irish government to address the inequity in the Widow's Pension system, which currently excludes cohabiting couples. The case of John O'Meara, whose partner passed away, highlighted the financial hardship faced by unmarried individuals who lose their partners. Campaigners, including Treoir, are demanding swift legislative action to extend the pension to cohabiting couples, ensuring equity and financial security for all families.
Unmarried individuals who have experienced the loss of their partners are facing financial hardship and even being forced to sell their homes due to their ineligibility for a Widow's Pension , according to a campaign group. This pension, which can reach up to €289.30 per week with additional payments for dependent children, is currently accessible only to spouses, husbands, and civil partners of deceased individuals.
John O'Meara, whose partner passed away, challenged the Department of Social Protection in court after being denied the pension based on their cohabiting relationship. The court ruled in O'Meara's favor, recognizing that excluding cohabiting couples from the Widow's Pension constituted discrimination based on marital status. This landmark victory has prompted the government to prepare legislation extending the Widow's Pension to cohabiting couples, with a target of implementation before the summer recess. Sinéad Murray, a spokesperson for the campaign group Treoir, expressed her delight with the ruling and urged the government to swiftly enact the necessary legislation within the next six months. While acknowledging the complexities surrounding relationships, Murray emphasized the need for law reform to ensure fairness and equity for all parties. She cited examples of long-term cohabiting couples facing financial distress after their partner's death, highlighting the urgent need for legislative change. Treoir is aware of numerous cases where individuals are struggling financially, forced to sell their homes due to their lack of access to the Widow's Pension. Murray stressed the importance of prioritizing dependent children in such situations, emphasizing that the Supreme Court ruling protecting children from discrimination based on their parents' marital status should be upheld. She underscored that the Widow's Pension provides crucial financial support, leaving families in dire straits without it. The 2022 census revealed a significant increase in the number of childless cohabiting couples in Ireland since 2016, further emphasizing the growing need for inclusive social welfare policies
Widow's Pension Cohabiting Couples Discrimination Social Welfare Family Support
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