Paul Murphy
Ceist:663. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on his Department increasing the allowance for pensioners over the age of 80. [51926/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 September 2025
Ceisteanna (663)
Freagraí scríofa
The Over 80 allowance is an increase of €10 per week on the basic pension rate, which is automatically awarded to qualified pensioners on attaining 80 years of age. Those aged 80 or over in receipt of the Carer's Allowance will also receive the Over 80 allowance. Only one such allowance is payable in respect of each primary payment. At the end of August 2025, 203,469 people were in receipt of this payment.
There are also a range of secondary payments available to pensioners, where applicable:
• A pensioner who is living alone can receive the Living-Alone Increase of €22 in addition to the primary social welfare payment.
• The Free Travel Scheme is available to people over 66 years, to carers and to people in receipt of certain disability type payments.
• The Household Benefits Package is a supplementary payment to assist with the cost of electricity or gas bill. It also includes a TV licence.
• Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of home heating during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household.
• Telephone Support Allowance when a person is in receipt of a qualifying payment AND the Living Alone Increase AND the Fuel Allowance.
• The Increase for Living on a Specified Island - or Island Allowance off the coast of Ireland - is an increase of €20 in the weekly rate of certain social welfare payments.
The rate of primary and secondary payments to pensioners, and their adequacy, are considered in the context of the annual budgetary process. In doing so, the Government considers evidence from a wide range of sources, including agencies such as the CSO, and also research submitted by advocacy groups such as the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, who measure the “Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL)”.
Any change to the rate payable for the over 80’s allowance will have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.