1975. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the living alone allowance in County Clare, in each of the past five years. [56292/26]

The Living Alone Increase is an additional weekly payment payable to people who live alone and are in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments. The scheme is intended to help meet the additional costs associated with living alone. The majority of recipients are pensioners aged 66 years and over, although certain recipients of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension and Incapacity Supplement may also qualify.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of Living Alone Increase recipients in County Clare in each of the past five years is set out in the table below. The figures shown are as at 31 December each year. The 2026 figure is as at 30 June 2026.