Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the rate of the living alone allowance for pensioners who are struggling to maintain a household with one income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8505/14]
View answerThe living alone increase is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 or over who are living alone and in receipt of certain social welfare payments, including State pensions. It is also available to people who are under 66 years of age who are living alone and receiving payments, mainly in relation to disability.
The basic rate of the State pension has not been reduced, despite very significant budgetary pressure. The positive impact of this is illustrated in the main metrics used to measure poverty in Ireland. This shows that in 2004, the at risk of poverty rate for people aged 65 or over was 27.1% compared the total population rate of 19.4%. By 2011, the rate for this group had dropped to 9.7%, while for the population as a whole the rate was 16%.
Similar results can be seen in relation to consistent poverty. In 2011 the rate for the over 65 age group was 1.9%, compared to 6.9% for the population as a whole. This compares to the figures in 2004 which were at 3.9% and 6.6% respectively.
Any decision to increase the rate of the living alone allowance would be a matter for Government to consider in a budgetary context.
