Living on one of Ireland’s remote islands can be beautiful, but it often comes with extra costs. Whether it’s expensive travel, limited public transport, or fewer local services, island life isn’t always easy. That’s why the Irish government provides extra help to people who live permanently on certain islands.
This support comes as an added payment of €20 per week to those already getting specific social welfare benefits. Over a year, that totals €1,040. The idea is to reduce the financial burden caused by the isolation and higher cost of living that islanders often experience.
The allowance is not widely known, and many people may miss out on it simply because they don’t know it exists. In this article, we’ll explain what this payment is, who can get it, which islands are eligible, how much you’ll receive, and how to make sure you’re included.
Understanding the Island Living Support Payment
This extra payment is officially called the Increase for Living on a Specified Island. It’s a special top-up provided by Ireland’s Department of Social Protection. It’s designed to support people who live all year round on certain listed islands.
You don’t need to apply separately for this allowance. Once you qualify for one of the main welfare payments and your home is on an eligible island, the increase is added automatically to your weekly payments.
This €20 weekly support helps cover the extra costs of living far from the mainland — such as higher grocery prices, fuel expenses, and limited services.
Who Can Get the Island Living Allowance?
To receive the payment, you must meet three main conditions:
1. Live Full-Time on an Approved Island
You must live on one of the specific islands listed by the government. You need to live there permanently — owning a holiday home or visiting sometimes is not enough.
2. Be 66 or Older (or on a Qualifying Payment)
- Most people who get this support are aged 66 or above.
- Younger people may also qualify if they receive one of the approved social welfare payments.
3. Get One of These Welfare Payments
To receive the €20 top-up, you must already be receiving any of the following:
- State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Blind Pension
- Invalidity Pension
- Carer’s Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Widow’s/Widower’s Benefit under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
Even if your pension comes from another EU country, you may still qualify if you live full-time on an approved island.
Which Islands Are Eligible for the Support?
Only certain islands are included in this support scheme. Here’s a full list, sorted by county:
Donegal:
- An tOileán Ruaidh
- Árainn Mhór
- Gabhla
- Inis Bó Finne
- Inis Fraoich Uachtarach
- Toraigh
Galway:
- Árainn
- Inis Meáin
- Inis Oírr
- Inishturk
- Omey Island
Cork:
- Bere Island
- Cléire
- Dursey Island
- Heir Island
- Long Island
- Sherkin Island
- Whiddy Island
Mayo:
- Clare Island
- Claggan Island
- Clynish
- Inis Bigil
- Inishlyre
- Inishturk
- Islandmore
Sligo:
- Coney Island
- Dernish Island
Kerry:
- Fenit Island
Limerick:
- Foynes Island
Dublin:
- Lambay Island
If you live on one of these islands permanently and meet the age and benefit conditions, you can receive this yearly top-up.
How Much Will You Get?
The increase is a flat rate of €20 per week, added on top of your regular social welfare payment. That means you could receive €1,040 more per year.
How to Receive the Allowance
The good news is you don’t need to fill out a separate form. Here’s how it works:
- If you’re applying for a qualifying welfare payment, just include your island address.
- If you’re already receiving a qualifying payment and turn 66, the increase will be added automatically.
- If you move to an eligible island later, let the Department of Social Protection know.
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received the increase, visit your nearest Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Office to ask for help.
Why This Payment is Important
This allowance might seem small week by week, but it adds up to over €1,000 a year — enough to ease some of the financial pressure of living on an island. It recognizes the real challenges of island life, such as more expensive food, fuel, or difficulty accessing healthcare.
By giving islanders a bit more support, this payment helps people stay in their homes and continue their way of life. It also puts more money into small island economies, helping shops and services that local people depend on.