Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:126. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on a living alone allowance application for a person (details supplied). [40391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 9 October 2024
Ceisteanna (126)
Freagraí scríofa
Primary weekly social welfare payments are intended to enable recipients to meet their basic day-to-day income needs. In addition to these primary payments, my Department also provides a range of other secondary payments, such as an Increase for a qualified adult (IQA) and the living alone increase (LAI). The LAI is paid to persons in receipt of a primary payment from my Department and who are living alone. As the person concerned is in receipt of an increase for a Qualified Adult, they do not meet the eligibility criteria for this allowance.
If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they can apply for long-term carers contributions (LTCC). The periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive. If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in their contribution record for the state pension (contributory). Their state pension (contributory) entitlement will be reviewed at this stage.
The quickest way to apply for LTCCs is online at MyWelfare.ie if the person has a verified MyGovID account. Further information is available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.
It is also open to them to apply for the state pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of 95% of the state pension (contributory).
I have arranged for application forms to issue for state pension (non-contributory), pension caring supports, household benefits and the fuel allowance. On receipt of the completed application forms, their entitlement will be examined and they will notified of the outcome. The person concerned will also receive the payment that is financially more beneficial to them.I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.