Budget 2027 falls short for older people living alone

ALONE warns that many older people will remain below the poverty line despite increases to the State Pension, Living Alone Increase and Fuel Allowance.

Dublin, October 6th, 2026 – ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age well at home, have indicated that the Budget falls significantly short of its key ask to lift older people living alone out of poverty. Despite national data showing that up to 80,000 older people living alone live in poverty, the Living Alone payment will increase by just €3 per week, one fifth of the €15 increase sought by ALONE.  

Reacting to Budget 2027, ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan said: ‘A few extra euro cannot disguise the fact that many older people will remain trapped on incomes that leave them below the poverty line. A €3 increase in the Living Alone Allowance may sound significant when expressed as a percentage, but older people pay bills in euro, not percentages.

The Minister says this Budget protects the most vulnerable. For older people living alone, the evidence suggests otherwise. Once-off Cost of Living payments helped keep many older people out of poverty. Those payments are gone, and the increases announced today do not fully replace them.

The real test of this Budget is whether older people can afford to heat their homes, put food on the table and remain independent in their own homes. For too many older people living alone, that struggle is far from over.’

Moynihan continued: ‘Unlike other forms of poverty, the challenges facing older people are often hidden behind closed doors. Many older people are doing everything they can to remain independent, but the reality is that some are skipping meals, missing appointments  or leaving the heating off because they simply cannot afford the rising cost of living.

We know from the people contacting ALONE every day that many are worried about how they will manage this winter. There is a real fear that their income simply will not stretch far enough. Too often, that fear leads people to struggle in silence rather than ask for help.

Nobody who has worked hard and contributed throughout their life should spend later life worrying about whether they can afford the basics. No older person should have to choose between paying a bill, heating their home, buying food or purchasing medication. These are not luxuries. They are the basic building blocks of ageing well.”

ALONE said Budget 2027 must also be viewed in the context of Ireland’s rapidly ageing population and the need to invest now in supports that help older people remain independent, connected and well at home.

Concluding, Moynihan said: ‘If you are worried about how you are going to manage this winter, don’t wait until a situation becomes a crisis. Pick up the phone and call ALONE.

We have staff working in communities across Ireland who will work with you to find solutions and access the supports you need. Whether you’re concerned about the cost of living, loneliness, housing, health, finances or staying independent at home, we’re here to help. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, and you don’t have to have all the answers. We’ll work with you until a solution is found.

Too often people struggle on alone because they think their problem isn’t serious enough or that they should be able to cope by themselves. One conversation can make a real difference. The earlier we hear from you, the sooner we can help contact ALONE’s National Support & Referral Line on 0818 222 024.Open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, on 0818 222 024 Visit www.alone.ie for more information.