Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005

Entitlement to pension.

[1994 s11; 1996 s27(2) & Sch G]

124.—(1) Subject to this Act, a widow or widower shall be entitled to pension—

(a) where the contribution conditions set out in section 125 are satisfied on either the insurance record of the widow or widower or that of his or her deceased spouse,

(b) where the widow's or widower's spouse was entitled to an old age (contributory) pension or a retirement pension which included an increase in respect of him or her by virtue of section 112 (1) or 117 (1) in respect of a period ending on the spouse's death, or

(c) where his or her spouse would have been entitled to an old age (contributory) pension or a retirement pension at an increased weekly rate by virtue of section 112 (1) or 117 (1), but for the receipt by that widow or widower of an old age (non-contributory) pension, a blind pension or a carer's allowance in his or her own right, in respect of a period ending on his or her death.

[1994 s11; 1996 s27(2) & Sch G]

(2) A pension shall not be payable to a widow or widower for any period after his or her remarriage.

[1994 s11; 1996 s27(2) & Sch G]

(3) A widow or widower shall be disqualified for receiving a pension if and so long as he or she and any person are cohabiting as husband and wife.

[1994 s11; 1996 s27(1) & Sch G]

(4) A person who, having ceased to be entitled to a pension by virtue of that person's remarriage, shall, on again becoming a widow or widower, be entitled to a pension at the rate which would have been payable had the person not remarried where the person—

(a) fails to satisfy the conditions set out in subsection (1), or

(b) on satisfying the conditions set out in subsection (1), is entitled to a pension at a rate below that which would have been payable had the person not remarried.