Extra social welfare benefits

  • Information about the extra benefits that may be available to certain people getting a social welfare payment.
  • Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland is entitled to travel free of charge on public transport. People under 66 on certain social welfare payments are also entitled to free travel. Find out more about free travel in Ireland and the Senior SmartPass which allows you to travel for free on public transport in Northern Ireland.

  • If you are getting a certain social welfare payment and living on a specified island off the coast of Ireland, you can get an increase in your social welfare payment .

  • The Household Benefits Package helps you with the costs of running your household. It includes electricity and gas allowances and a Free Television Licence. It is paid to people over 70 and to people under 70 in some circumstances.

  • The Living Alone Increase is a supplementary payment for people on social welfare pensions who are living alone.

  • The National Fuel Allowance Scheme provides an allowance to low-income households that are unable to meet their heating needs.

  • The Telephone Support Allowance is a supplementary payment for people on certain social welfare payments who are also getting both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance.