Living by yourself can often bring extra expenses like rent, heating, groceries, and medical bills. For people who rely on social welfare, these costs can be even harder to manage. That’s why the Irish government gives extra help through a benefit called the Living Alone Increase.
This is not a separate payment but an extra €22 added to your existing weekly welfare. Over the course of a year, it adds up to €1,144. Many people who qualify for it do not even know about it, so they miss out on this helpful support. It is especially useful for older adults and people with disabilities.
If you or someone you know lives alone and gets certain social welfare payments, you might be eligible for this extra money. Below, we explain who can get it, what kind of living situations are allowed, and how to apply step-by-step.
Overview of the Living Alone Support Payment
The Living Alone Increase is added to your weekly welfare if you qualify and live by yourself. It is meant to help with the higher cost of living alone, such as paying all the household bills by yourself.Once your application is approved, the €22 is added to your welfare payments automatically.
Who Can Qualify for This Support?
To qualify, you must live alone and receive a certain social welfare payment. Your age also matters when it comes to eligibility.
For People Aged 66 and Older
If you are 66 or older and live alone, you can qualify if you receive one of these payments:
- State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
- Widow’s/Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension (Contributory)
- Widow’s/Widower’s Pension from Occupational Injuries
- Incapacity Supplement (Occupational Injuries Scheme)
- Deserted Wife’s Benefit
For People Under 66
If you’re under 66 but living alone and getting any of these supports, you may still qualify:
- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
- Incapacity Supplement
- Blind Pension
What Living Setups Are Accepted?
You usually need to live completely alone, but there are some exceptions. You can still get the payment even if your situation isn’t 100% alone.
Living Conditions That Count
You may still qualify if:
- You live alone in your own house or flat.
- You stay in a separate unit in a family member’s home (e.g., granny flat).
- You live independently in sheltered housing (not dorm-style).
- You have occasional guests like friends or family staying short-term.
Situations That Make You Ineligible
You cannot get this payment if:
- You share a dorm-style room.
- You live in a nursing home with 24/7 care.
- You run a guesthouse or rent rooms long-term.
- You have a paying tenant living with you permanently.
Note: Hosting a Ukrainian refugee under the EU Temporary Protection Directive does not affect your eligibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Getting this payment requires a simple application, but it’s important to check your eligibility first.
How to Apply:
- Make sure you receive one of the qualifying social welfare payments.
- Confirm that you meet the living alone rules.
- Download or collect the LA1 Application Form:
- Available at local Intreo Centres
- Or online via Gov.ie – LA1 Form
- Fill in your details about your welfare payment and your living situation.
- Submit the form by post or in person at your local Social Welfare office.
- Wait for approval from the Department of Social Protection.
Once approved, the €22 will be added to your existing weekly payment.