Home instead extra social welfare benefits

 

Extra Social Welfare Benefits

Free Travel in Ireland

Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland is entitled to travel free of charge on public transport. Others on certain social welfare payments also share this entitlement. Find out more about free travel in Ireland and the Senior Smart Pass which allows you to travel for free

on public transport in Northern Ireland.

Social Welfare Payments and Living on a Specified Island

If you are getting a certain social welfare payment and living on a specified island off the coast of Ireland you can receive an increase in your social welfare payment. People living on islands can face extra expenses travelling to the mainland in order to avail of services. The purpose of the increase is to compensate for the additional costs of living on an island off the coast of Ireland.

 

Household Benefits Package

The Household Benefits Package is a package of allowances which help you with the costs of running your household. The package is available to people aged over 70 and to people under age 70 in certain circumstances. You must be living in the State. Only one person in a household can qualify for the package at any time. If you are renting your home, your landlord must provide written confirmation that you are a tenant and confirm that you are paying your own energy bills.

 

From January 2015 the Household Benefits Package will include a new Water Support payment. This will be a100 each year (made up of four equal payments of a25). The Water Support payment will be paid to everyone who qualifies for the Household Benefits Package (including people who are not customers of Irish Water and have their own water supply or are members of a group scheme).

 

Household Benefit Package Rates – LoCall 1890 500 000 for more information

 

<strong>Electricity Allowance</strong>&#8364;<strong>35.00 monthly </strong>
<strong>Cash Electricity Allowance</strong>&#8364;<strong>35.00 monthly </strong>
<strong>Natural Gas Allowance</strong>&#8364;<strong>35.00 monthly </strong>
<strong>Cash Gas Allowance</strong>&#8364;<strong>35.00 monthly </strong>
<strong>Television Allowance</strong>Once you qualify for the Household Benefits Package, you become eligible for a free Television Licence from the next renewal date of your television licence.&#160;

Living Alone Increase

The Living Alone Increase is a supplementary payment for people on social welfare pensions who are living alone. This is a weekly payment of €9.00.

 

Fuel Allowance

The National Fuel Scheme provides an allowance to low income households that are unable to meet their heating needs. The fuel allowance is € 20 per week.

 

Please read pages 5-9 of the Family Carer Guidebook for information on benefits for family carers.

 

For more information on this useful resource Guidebook please contact home Instead Senior Care at 044 93 85260 or email us at j.acton@homeinsteadm.ie. We are happy for you to visit with us at our offices at Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar.