Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension is a payment based on social insurance for both men and women. It is not means-tested. Entitlement is not affected by any other income you may have such as earnings, an occupational pension or a pension from your late spouse's/civil partner's employment.
If you have a qualified child and you do not qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension, you should apply for a One-Parent Family Payment.
If you are widowed or are a surviving civil partner and aged under 66 and do not have qualified children and you do not qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension, you should apply for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non- Contributory Pension.
If you are widowed or are a surviving civil partner and aged 66 or over and you do not qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension, you should apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory).
Note
Your pension is not affected by any other income you may have whether from employment or another source. However, Revenue may take this pension into account for income tax purposes. Contact your local tax office for details.