Census search forms are useful for locating details in the 1841 and 1851 censuses. These search forms contain personal information provided by individuals to verify their age using census records. This information was often used as part of old age pension claims.
The Census search forms contain 136,152 names of individuals.
Each form may include:
- Claimant’s forename and surname
- Current address
- Parents’ names
- Townland/street, parish, barony, and county of residence in 1841 or 1851
- Notes from the Public Record Office on whether the search was successful
- Details of all household members (for successful searches)
Digital access update
The former online catalogue for the Census Search Forms was part of a legacy genealogy microsite that has now been retired. As part of a large‑scale redevelopment project, the National Archives is rebuilding and modernising all retired microsites and their associated databases. Updated digital access will be made available as the new systems come online.
In the meantime, the records remain fully accessible through Reading Room finding aids and external platforms.
Reading Room access
The following finding aids and microfilms are available onsite:
- Census Search Form finding aids (arranged by county)
- Microfilm reference: MFGS 59/1/27
These microfilms can be consulted in the National Archives Reading Room.
External platforms
The 1841 and 1851 Census Search Forms are also available on:
- FamilySearch (free)
- Findmypast (subscription)
For counties in Ulster (Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone), contact The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI).
Background to census search forms
The Old Age Pensions Act of 1908 was an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This introduced a non-contributory pension for people aged 70 and over in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Pensions began in January 1909.
To qualify, applicants needed to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 70 years old
- Have an annual income below £31 10s
- Be of good character
In the first three months of 1909, over 261,668 applications were submitted. By March 1910, approximately 180,974 pensions had been granted. The high take-up rate of 98% of eligible applicants in Ireland (compared to 45% in England and Wales), highlighted the significant need due to widespread poverty.
The full pension was 5 shillings per week for a single person or 7 shillings per week for a married couple, for those with an income under £21.00.00 per annum.
Proof of age through census searches
Applicants for pensions were required to provide proof of their age. However, since civil registration of births in Ireland began only in 1864, many applicants lacked official documentation.
To verify ages, the 1841 and 1851 census returns, held by the Public Record Office, were searched instead. Applicants were required to provide their parents’ names and their place of residence in March of 1841 – 1851, along with their estimated age at that time. These application forms were then sent to the Public Record Office for verification.
When a search was unsuccessful, the form was returned marked “not found” or “no trace.” However, it still provided the claimant’s version of family details. Successful searches frequently included the names and ages of all household members at the time of the census.
Future digital access
The Census Search Forms will be incorporated into the National Archives’ new digital genealogy platform as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the retired microsites. Further updates will be published on this page as the project progresses.