Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
353. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) living alone will not qualify for the living alone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Living Alone Increase is a weekly payment for people who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. For those aged 66 or over these payments include State pension (contributory), State pension (non-contributory), Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (contributory) pension, Widow's/Widower's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, Incapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and Deserted Wife's Benefit.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned is a qualified adult on their spouse’s pension. They are not in receipt of a qualifying payment paid in their own right, and therefore the person concerned is not eligible for the Living Alone Increase.
The person concerned may wish to consider applying for State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested residency-based payment for persons of pension age.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
