A question about state pensions

[Cobra]

A friend of mine asked me this question: His wife is getting the pension and if he her (husband) is five years away from getting his pension: Now, if he became unemployed shortly would his wife be able to claim for him on her pension, seeing he is not yet reached retirement age. Aware that he can get unemployment benefit for 12 months. but what he would like to know if his wife can claim on her pension for him instead of unemployment benefit?

 

[Welfarite]

She can claim for him on JB but if he does not claim Jobseeker's Benefit, he will not maintain his PRSI record for pension purposes resulting in possibly reduced payments, not to mention futre short-term scheme entitlements and possible optical/dental benefit claims.