Q. I am 67, live on my own, and am claiming my social welfare pension. I have heard other people talking about an extra payment if you live on your own. What is this and would I be eligible for it?
Dear Reader,
This is a common question, and the answer will hopefully help a lot of people.
The payment you are asking about is known as the “Living Alone Increase” (LAI). The LIA is an extra weekly payment in Ireland for people aged 66 or over who live alone and are receiving certain social welfare payments.
The payment is designed to help with the extra costs associated with living independently.
It’s also available to those under 66 who receive specific payments like the Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension.
The current rate of the LIA payment is €22 per week.
You must live alone to get the increase in your payment. However, there are some exceptions.
If you are living in an extension of a family member’s home (for example in a granny flat), you can qualify for the increase if you can show that you have facilities to cook and eat alone. You must also have your own living or dining room and sleeping accommodation.
You can also qualify 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) or if you live alone during the day but stay with relatives or friends at night.
You can also qualify 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.
There are several other situations where you may also qualify, and I would advise you to contact your local Citizens Information office or website for further details for your specific circumstances.
You will not qualify if you share dormitory accommodation with others or have round-the clock supervision or nursing care.
People who live in nursing homes will not qualify as they cannot be regarded as living completely or mainly alone
If you need further information or assistance in applying, remember we are here to help.
