Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
675. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons living alone over the age of 80 years receive an increased living alone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41941/21]
View answerThose in receipt of a primary State pension automatically receive an increase of €10 per week when they reach 80 years of age.
The Living Alone Allowance is a payment for people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, including State pensions, and who are living alone. It is also paid to people aged under 66 who live alone and are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension. This Living Alone Allowance is not means tested and the payment is made as an increase to the recipient’s primary social welfare payment. In Budget 2021, it was increased from €14 to €19 per week.
Those pensioners who are aged 80 or above and who live alone may receive both the over 80s allowance and the living alone increase, subject to fulfilling the criteria for living alone.
They would also be eligible for secondary benefits such as the household benefits package (€35 per month plus a free television licence), the fuel allowance (€28 per week for the length of the fuel season) and the telephone support allowance (€2.50 per week).
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
