The payment is set for a boost following the announcement of Budget 2027
12:19, 10 Oct 2026Updated 12:20, 10 Oct 2026
The payment will be increased in January
Many people might not realise that several additional top-up payments can be claimed alongside their standard social welfare entitlement.
One such benefit is the Living Alone Increase. The Living Alone Increase is an additional payment for those who live by themselves and receive a social welfare payment, reports RSVP Live.
It’s also due to receive a rate boost in January following Budget 2027.
Here’s all the essential information about the application process and eligibility criteria.
People over 66
If you’re aged 66 or older and reside alone, you’ll be eligible for the Living Alone Increase if you’re in receipt of 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 Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit SchemeIncapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit SchemeDeserted Wife’s BenefitPeople under 66
If you’re under 66 and live by yourself, you’ll qualify for the Living Alone Increase if you’re receiving one of the following payments:
Disability AllowanceInvalidity PensionIncapacity SupplementBlind PensionLiving alone exceptions
You must reside alone to receive the increase in your payment. However, certain exceptions apply.
Granny flats
If you’re residing in an extension to a relative’s property – such as a granny flat – you can qualify for the increase provided you can demonstrate that you have facilities to prepare and consume meals independently.
You must also possess your own lounge or dining area and sleeping quarters.
Sheltered accommodation
If you reside in sheltered accommodation, you may be eligible for the Living Alone Increase if you’re considered to be living independently within the facility. A list of hostels and residential homes where the Living Alone Increase is available can be found on Gov.ie.
You won’t be eligible if you’re in shared dormitory-style accommodation or receive continuous supervision or nursing care around the clock.
Those residing in nursing homes are not entitled to the payment as they cannot be considered to be living entirely or predominantly alone.
People who can stay with you
You may also be deemed as living alone if you:
Are aged or infirm and have a friend or relative to stay for security reasons at night-time only (the friend or relative must not contribute to the household financially)Live alone during the day but stay with relatives or friends at night or if you live alone during the week but have a relative to stay at the weekend (the living alone condition is satisfied as long as the relative has a permanent home address elsewhere)Live alone but occasionally take in paying guests (for example, during a local festival) – but if you run a bed and breakfast business (even for part of the year) you will not qualifyAllow somebody who is not an employee or not an immediate family member to stay in your home rent free and you would be living alone, but for that personAre renting for at least 28 consecutive days to somebody who is not an employee and not an immediate family member, and you would be living alone, but for that personAre hosting somebody from Ukraine covered by the Temporary Protection Directive and you would be living alone, but for that person.How much is the Living Alone Increase?
Currently, the Living Alone Increase stands at €22 per week, totalling €1,144 each year . From January onwards, this will rise to €25 weekly .
How to apply
Complete a Living Alone Increase application form. Submit the finished form to whichever section of the Department of Social Protection handles your main pension or benefit payment.
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