‘Benefit Payment a step towards closing pension gap for older people’, says ALONE
The charity stressed that the payment itself is below what people are entitled to, at €203
Dublin, 8th February 2021 ALONE, the organisation that supports and empowers older people, has welcomed Benefit Payment for older people who are in limbo between their employment being ceased at 65 and reaching the retirement age of 66. The organisation is encouraged by the eligibility requirements that a person in receipt of this payment will not be required to be available for full-time work or genuinely seeking work and they will not be required to sign on to the Live Register.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, “ALONE are feeling hopeful to see some progress for plan of this payment to older people who are between two milestones in their life. €203 provides some form of transitional payment for those who must retire at 65, but we must stress that this is below what people who have worked their entire lives are entitled to, while also being below the poverty line.”
He continued, “Currently, the Poverty rate sits at €284.46 for one adult.[1] We can see that this payment is only a step towards closing the pension gap for those who are forced to retire at 65. ALONE are hopeful to see further progress in this area to ensure this cohort of retirees are not plunged into poverty because of the low-rate.”
Older people who are in receipt of this payment will not have a break in their social insurance record and the credits they receive account for other social welfare purposes such as the contributory State Pension. Individuals can access the forms to apply via mywelfare.ie and for those who have no access to a printer you can request for the forms to be posted via email forms@welfare.ie.
Contact ALONE if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Their National Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am – 8pm on 0818 222 024. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.
[1] https://www.socialjustice.ie/sites/default/files/attach/publication/6310/2020-05-18-sjipovertyfocusmay2020final.pdf?cs=true