Living by yourself can be challenging, especially when it comes to covering everyday expenses. In Ireland, the government offers extra support to social welfare recipients who live alone. This additional help is meant to ease the financial burden of handling utilities, groceries, and medical costs without sharing expenses with others.
Many people are unaware that they are eligible for this benefit. The extra payment, known as the Living Alone Increase, provides an extra €22 per week, which sums up to €1,144 each year. This extra income is added to the regular social welfare payment for people who meet the criteria. The increase is designed to help older adults, people with disabilities, and those on certain payments manage their budgets better while living independently.
If you live alone and receive a qualifying social welfare benefit, you may be entitled to this annual boost. It is important to check your eligibility and apply if you have not done so yet. Below, all the important details are explained in a simple and clear way so that anyone can understand and take action if needed.
Extra Support for Independent Living
What Is the Additional Payment?
- Weekly Amount: An extra €22 is added each week.
- Yearly Total: This equals €1,144 per year.
- Purpose: To help cover higher living costs when you live alone.
Who Can Qualify?
- For Individuals Aged 66 or Over:
You may qualify if you receive:- Contributory or Non-Contributory State Pension
- Widow’s or Widower’s Pension
- Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, including the Incapacity Supplement or Deserted Wife’s Benefit
- For Individuals Under 66:
You may be eligible if you receive:- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
- Incapacity Supplement
- Blind Pension
Suitable Living Arrangements
Approved Situations:
- Private Home: Living in your own house or apartment.
- Separate Living Space: Having a separate section within a family home, like a granny flat, with its own living, cooking, and sleeping areas.
- Sheltered Accommodation: Independent living within a sheltered housing facility is acceptable.
- Temporary Guests: Occasional visitors or temporary stays do not affect your eligibility.
Situations That Do Not Qualify:
- Shared Dormitory Style: Living in shared dormitories is not allowed.
- Full-Time Nursing Homes: Those with round-the-clock care in nursing homes do not qualify.
- Bed and Breakfasts: Running any kind of bed and breakfast disqualifies you.
- Long-Term Tenants: Having a tenant that stays on a long-term basis means you cannot claim the benefit.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Check that you receive one of the qualifying social welfare benefits and that you live alone.
- Step 2: Obtain the Living Alone Increase Application Form (LA1) either from your local Intreo Centre or download it online from Gov.ie.
- Step 3: Complete the form with accurate details about your living arrangements and current benefits.
- Step 4: Submit your application to the local Social Welfare office, either by post or in person.
- Step 5: Await confirmation from the Department of Social Protection. Once approved, the extra €22 will be added to your weekly payment.