Residents of specific islands could get extra money if they meet age and payment criteria. No application needed.
Do you live on a specific Irish island? If so, you could claim an extra increase. Three things must be true for you to get it. Here’s what you need and how to get this top-up.
Island residents face higher costs to reach services. This increase helps with these extra costs. It’s for people living on certain Irish islands. They must get a qualifying social welfare payment. Some pensions from other EU countries also qualify.
These are some of the islands that qualify for the payment: Island Roy, Arranmore, and Inishmaan. Also included are Bere Island, Clare Island, and Dursey Island. You can find a full list of qualifying islands.
Three rules exist to get this increase. You must live on a specified island; you must be age 66 or older; and you must receive a qualifying social welfare payment. Qualifying payments include State Pension and Blind Pension, as well as Invalidity Pension and Carer’s Allowance.
The Island Increase is €20 per week. This started in January 2021.
You don’t have to fill out a form to apply. The department checks when you apply for social welfare and you get it automatically at age 66, if you qualify.