Living Alone Increase
Information
The Living Alone Increase is an extra payment for people on social welfare pensions who are living alone.
Rules
If you are 66 years or over and live alone, you will qualify if you are getting one of the following payments
- 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
You will also qualify if you are under 66, live alone and are getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement and Blind Pension.
Living Alone
To get the increase in your payment you must live completely alone. However, there are some exceptions:
If you are living in an extension of a family member's home, for example, in a granny flat, you can qualify for the increase if you can show that you have facilities to cook and eat alone. You must also have your own living/dining and sleeping accommodation.
You may also qualify as living alone if you are aged or infirm and have a friend or relative to stay for security reasons at night-time only. The friend or relative must not contribute to the household financially.
The increase may also be payable if you live alone during the day but stay with relatives or friends at night or if you live alone during the week but have a relative to stay at the weekend (the living alone condition is satisfied as long as the relative has a permanent home address elsewhere).
You will also qualify if you live alone but occasionally take in paying guests (for example, during a local festival). However, if you run a bed and breakfast business (even for part of the year) you will not qualify.
People who live in sheltered accommodation may qualify if they are regarded as living independently within the institution. The Department of Social Protection provides a list of hostels/homes where Living Alone Increase is payable. You will not qualify if you share dormitory accommodation with others, or have supervision or nursing care round-the clock.
People who live in nursing homes will not qualify as they cannot be regarded as living completely or mainly alone.
Rates
Weekly payment:
| Living Alone Increase | €7.70 |
How to apply
To apply fill in a Living Alone Increase application form (pdf). Send the completed form to the section of the Department of Social Protection that pays your main pension or benefit.
Your Social Welfare Local Office will be able to answer any questions about the Living Alone Increase and can help you complete your form.
Language
Related Documents
- State Pension (Non-Contributory)
The State Pension (Non-Contributory) previously called the Old Age Non-Contributory Pension is a means-tested payment available to people in Ireland aged 66 and over who do not qualify for a contributory pension. - Social welfare payments and living on a specified island
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 . - Income supports for older people
Find out about the range of payments available, and link to a broader checklist of entitlements for older people.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.