Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

571. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the date the increase from Budget 2021 for the living alone allowance will take effect. [36308/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Budget 2021 provides for a €5 increase to the Living Alone Allowance from €14 to €19 per week giving a total payment of €988 over the course of the year in addition to their primary social welfare payment.  This represents a 36% increase in the value of the Allowance. 

The implementation of the increase is scheduled with effect from the 4^thJanuary 2021. It is estimated that there will be 221,700 recipients of this payment in 2021.

The increase will require amendment to primary legislation (Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005).  The necessary legislative amendment will be included in the Bill to implement social welfare provisions of Budget 2021.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.