Living on one of Ireland’s remote islands can be peaceful and beautiful, but it also comes with many extra costs. Travel, shopping, and even basic services are more expensive and harder to access than on the mainland. To help ease this burden, the Irish government offers a special payment called the Island Living Increase.
In 2025, residents on these islands can get an extra €20 per week, which adds up to €1,040 per year. This bonus is given along with other social welfare payments and is meant to help people cope with the extra cost of island life.
Many people do not know about this benefit, even though it can provide much-needed help—especially for pensioners, carers, and others already receiving government support. Here’s a detailed look at who can get it, how much they can receive, and how the process works.
What is the Island Living Bonus?
This payment is officially called the Increase for Living on a Specified Island. It is a social welfare top-up created to help people who live full-time on certain Irish offshore islands. Because these islanders often face extra expenses, the government adds €20 to their weekly payment as extra support.
This is not a separate payment. Instead, the extra amount is included with existing welfare payments if the person meets all the conditions. The goal is to help islanders manage the higher costs of daily life—like getting to the mainland or paying for groceries and utilities.
Who Can Get This Island Increase?
To be eligible for this bonus, people must meet three main rules:
1. Permanent Island Residence
You must live full-time on an island listed by the government. Holiday homes or part-time stays do not count.
2. Receiving a Qualifying Welfare Payment
You must already be getting one of the following:
- State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Blind Pension
- Invalidity Pension
- Carer’s Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Widow’s/Widower’s Benefit (under the Occupational Injuries Scheme)
People receiving a pension from another EU country can also qualify if they live full-time on a listed island.
3. Age Requirement
Most people who get this increase are aged 66 or older, but younger individuals may also qualify if they are on a relevant welfare scheme.
Which Islands Are Included?
Here is the full list of islands whose residents can receive the bonus:
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
How Much Will You Get?
The top-up adds €20 per week to your normal social welfare payment. Over one year, this adds up to €1,040.
Here are some examples:
This extra money can go towards travel, heating, food, or any other daily expense that is higher on the islands.
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, you don’t need a separate application for this increase. The Department of Social Protection will add the payment automatically if:
- You apply for a qualifying social welfare benefit and include your island address.
- You already receive a qualifying payment and turn 66.
- You move to a listed island while receiving one of the qualifying benefits.
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the bonus, contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Office.
Why This Payment is So Important
Living on an island brings many unique challenges. Things like fuel, food, and transport usually cost more. The Island Living Increase helps cover these costs, especially for people living on fixed or low incomes.
This bonus also strengthens island communities. With more money staying in local areas, shops and small businesses benefit too. It’s a small change with a big impact—helping people stay connected and supported in some of Ireland’s most remote and beautiful places.