Latest News:
*PRESS RELEASE**
**Closure of the National Association of Widows in Ireland: Marking an Era of Aid, Assistance, and Empowerment**
Dublin, Ireland - After 56 years of unwavering commitment to the support and empowerment of widows in Ireland, the National Association of Widows in Ireland has announced its closure. Founded in 1967 by Mrs Eileen Proctor of Dublin, the association has been a beacon of hope for countless widows, offering them both tangible assistance and a platform for mutual growth and understanding.
The decision to close the association was made during its Annual General Meeting and subsequent Executive meeting held at the Galway Bay Hotel on 11th October 2023.
The primary objectives of the association have always been twofold:
1. To provide aid and assistance to widows and their dependents, ensuring their well-being and stability in challenging times.
2. To offer widows a platform where they could come together, learn from one anothers experiences, establish a new lifestyle, and emerge stronger, ready to reintegrate into society, adapted to their transformed roles.
The associations emblem, the Phoenix rising out of the ashes, symbolises the resilience and rebirth that many widows have experienced with the associations guidance. It stands testament to the transformative journey that members have embarked upon, rising from the ashes of grief and loss to find new purpose and strength.
The decision to wind up the organisation comes as many of its branches have dwindled in number, with the majority of its members being elderly. However, this decision also reflects a sense of accomplishment. Over the span of 56 years, the association has achieved its foundational objectives, having made a significant impact in the lives of widows and their families.
While the association may be closing its doors, its legacy will endure. The stories of empowerment, resilience, and community will continue to inspire generations to come. The association extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its members, supporters, and the broader community for their unwavering support over the years.
National Executive Committee.
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Contact:
Address
Carmichael Centre
4 Brunswick Street North
Dublin 7.
Phone
(01) 8733622
Email
info@nawi.ie
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Achievements
The following are some of the achievements the Association
has gained for widows:
N.B. rates of payment date from 1970, increasing annually to current level.
Social Welfare:
- Free electricity allowance, Free T.V. licence, free phone rental
- Living alone allowance
- Double pension at Christmas
- Supplementary benefit for pensioners and those on small fixed incomes
- Additional benefits for those on U.K. retirement pensions and to widows of 1916 veterans.
- Death press notice accepted for widows pension where death certificate is held up by inquest.
- Social Welfare benefit at marital rate granted to widows for six weeks after death of husband if he was in receipt of Social Welfare benefit at time of death.
- Ceiling for medical cards raised to £53.50 for Social Welfare Pensioners and those on low fixed incomes.
- Widows in receipt of Social Welfare pensions exempt from PRSI payments could claim benefit at half current rate from 1974 – 1988.
- Child allowance retained on Widows Pension until child reaches 19 years or 21 years, if receiving full time education.
- Means ceiling for non-contributory pension raised from £2 progressing to current level.
- The fuel scheme extended to national level.
- Free travel for those accompanying disabled person allowed.
- Extra tax allowance for widows, marital rate for widows with dependent children.
- Reduction of rates for widows, leading to total abolition of rates.
Taxation:
- Extra tax allowance for widows – marital rate for widows with dependent children.
Latest Achievements:
- N.A.W.I. successfully challenged government proposal to means test contributory pensioners.
- Widows over 60 + can claim all benefits received by late husbands at time of his death.
- Abolition of probate tax.
- Restoration of half sick and UB payment 2004.
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