Thousands of households across the country are in line for a bonus over the coming weeks.
Earlier in October, the government announced a series of cost-of-living supports that will be paid to help ease the burden of rising costs in the winter.
One of these supports is a much-anticipated €200 cash bonus that is set to be paid before the end of November - with hundreds of thousands of people nationwide set to get a bonus for the Living Alone Increase.
READ MORE: Exact date double child benefit will be paid confirmed as Simon Harris issues social welfare update
From lump sum payment date to eligibility criteria, here is everything you need to know about the support:
What exactly is the Living Alone Increase and how much is it worth?
This is a handy extra payment aimed at helping people who are living alone and getting a social welfare payment. It is paid at a rate of €22 a week.
When is the lump sum paid?
During the week of November 27, there will be a €200 lump sum payment to the 237,000 people in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance.
Who is eligible for the payment?
Anyone who is 66 years or over and lives alone will qualify if you are getting one of the following payments:
- State Pension (Contributory)
- State Pension (Non-Contributory)
- Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension
- Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-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
However, you can also qualify if you are under 66, live alone and are getting a Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension.
How can I apply?
Fill in a Living Alone Increase application form found here. Send the completed form to the section of the Department of Social Protection that pays your main pension or benefit.
Your Intreo Centre or local Social Welfare Branch Office will be able to answer any questions about the Living Alone Increase and can help you to complete your form.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
