Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the living alone allowance is payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18683/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe living alone increase is a payment for people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, including state pension (contributory), state pension (non-contributory), widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension, widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (non-contributory) pension, widow's/widower's pension under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, incapacity supplement under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, deserted wife's benefit, 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.
The living alone increase is not means tested and the payment is made as an increase to the recipient’s primary social welfare payment.
As the person concerned is not in receipt of a primary social welfare payment, they are not eligible for the living alone increase.
I have arranged for a state pension (non-contributory) application to issue to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application, their entitlement to the primary payment will be examined. If they qualify for this payment, their entitlement to the living alone increase will then be examined.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
