Vol. 420 No. 9
200 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the additional payments or allowances which are made to old age pensioners of 80 years of age or over; and whether the living alone allowance is paid in these cases, irrespective of whether they are living alone.
Old age pensioners who are 80 years of age or over are entitled to an age related increase in their pension. This increase currently amounts to £4.20 per week. From next July it will increase to £4.40 per weeek.
In relation to the Free Electricity Allowance scheme, one of the conditions is that the person must reside alone or only with certain accepted persons. However, pensioners over age 80 who are in receipt of a Free Electricity Allowance or who previously held the allowance retain their entitlement regardless of who resides with them.
To qualify for a Living Alone Allowance a person must be over 66 years of age, reside alone and be in receipt of a qualifying payment from my Department. The allowance is not payable to pensioners solely on the basis that they are 80 years of age or over.
