Those receiving social welfare payments in Ireland could be missing out on a weekly cash boost due to a lesser-known payment.
As long as you are under 66, are living alone, and are in receipt of at least one of the listed social welfare payments, you could be eligible for an extra €22 per week under the ‘Living Alone Increase Allowance.’
Not all welfare payments are considered for eligibility, but you will qualify if you are getting:
- 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
- Deserted Wife's Benefit
According to Citizen’s Information, you will also qualify if you are under 66, live alone, and are getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement, or Blind Pension.
However, there are some exceptions:
If you are living in an extension of a family member's home - like 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 could 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” - but 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 with at the weekend.
If you live alone but occasionally take in paying guests, you could be considered eligible, however, if you run a bed and breakfast business 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 the Living Alone Increase is payable.
In order to apply for the weekly sum, you need to fill in a Living Alone Increase application form, and send it to the section of the Department of Social Protection that pays your main pension or benefit.
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