Calls for increase in Living Alone Allowance
The Government is being urged to index-link State pensions in the next budget so that the elderly can benefit from the growth in the Irish economy in the same way as wage-earners.
There are about half a million people over the age of 65 in Ireland, and the figure is set to increase over the next few years.
Age Action Ireland says there has been no rise in the benefit since 1996, and that the country’s 100,000 female pensioners are especially vulnerable.
A spokesperson for the organisation said pensioners are increasingly left to rely on their own resources, and that many women who were unable to work after getting married have to survive on the state pension alone.
He said pensioners should be rewarded for their contribution to our economy with an increase the Living Alone Allowance.
