Galway TD calls for Living Alone Allowance rise after four-year freeze
The payment has remained unchanged since 2022, when it increased by €3 from €19 a week.
The allowance is an additional weekly top-up for people living alone, who receive certain social welfare payments, including qualifying pensions and disability payments.
Deputy Connolly argued that inflation and rising household bills have eroded the value of the payment.
"In the intervening years, the cost of heating, electricity, food and other essential household expenses has increased significantl," said Deputy Connolly.
"People living alone cannot benefit from economies of scale available to larger households and are therefore particularly vulnerable to rising living costs."
However, the Minister for Social Protection pointed out that the allowance has increased by more than 144% since 2019, when it stood at €9 a week.
The Minister gave no indication that an increase would be included in Budget 2027, saying any change would have to be considered alongside increases to other welfare payments and supports.
Deputy Connolly said that people living alone were particularly vulnerable.
"Budget 2027 should provide for an increase ... to protect pensioners, people with disabilities and others who rely on this support," he said.
The Minister said the adequacy of pension and other welfare payments is examined as part of the annual budget process.
That assessment takes account of evidence including Central Statistics Office figures and Minimum Essential Standard of Living research.
Any increase in the Living Alone Allowance will therefore be considered as part of the wider package of welfare measures ahead of Budget 2027.
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