asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will give consideration to allowing windows living alone the extra entitlement already available to those over 66 years of age viz. free travel, free telephone rental, TV licence, free electricity units; if it would be possible to allow windows at 60 years these entitlements; and the cost of implementing this proposal.
Written Answers. - Windows' Entitlements.
599.
The free travel scheme applies to persons aged over 66 whether they are living alone or not. For entitlement to free electricity allowance, free television licence or free telephone rental, however, a person must fulfil the living alone and other conditions particular to those schemes.
The age limit of 66 applies in these schemes except in the case of certain incapacitated persons who may qualify regardless of age. However, to extend these schemes to include persons under 66 who are not permanently incapacitated would alter the nature of the schemes and would have significant cost implications. The cost of extending the schemes to widows aged 60 to 65 years would be approximately £3.3 million per year. There are no plans for such an extension in the present circumstances.