Eleven groups that receive a social welfare payment are eligible for the scheme
The Telephone Support Allowance (TSA) can help people living alone with the cost of communications or a home alert system – stock photo(Image: Getty Images)
With the cost of living crisis remaining a constant worry for households, there may be certain welfare entitlements you’re currently overlooking.
The Department of Social Protection offers a number of lesser-known ‘top-up’ social welfare payments that could deliver a vital financial lift to many people.
These are provided on top of your standard social welfare payment and can substantially ease the cost of living pressures experienced by numerous individuals.
One such entitlement is the Telephone Support Allowance (TSA), which is an additional weekly payment for people receiving certain social welfare benefits who also qualify for both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance.
The Telephone Support Allowance (TSA) is an extra weekly payment for people on certain social welfare payments who are also getting both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance
Specifically, it can assist those residing alone with the expenses of communication or a home alert system, reports RSVP Live.
To qualify for the Telephone Support Allowance, three criteria must be satisfied: you must be in receipt of both the Living Alone Increase and the Fuel Allowance, alongside one of the following payments:
State Pension (Contributory)State Pension (Non-Contributory)Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) PensionWidow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit SchemeInvalidity PensionDisability AllowanceBlind PensionDisablement Pension (Incapacity Supplement)Deserted Wife’s Benefit
The Living Alone Increase is a supplementary payment for people who live alone and receive a social welfare payment. The Fuel Allowance is a benefit designed to assist with the expense of heating your home throughout the winter months.
It is only paid to one person per household.
The allowance is provided at a weekly rate of €2.50, amounting to €130 per year.
There’s no requirement to apply for the Telephone Support Allowance (TSA) as it is automatically awarded to those who qualify. There isn’t an application form.
If you think you qualify for TSA but have yet to receive an automatic payment, you should contact the relevant section within the Department of Social Protection that manages your primary social welfare payment. For further details, click here.
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