Living Alone Bonus, waiting time and eligibility?

FenixTomato

Hello,

I am on disability allowance (reduced rate of around €130 as I work 30 hours a week).

I applied for the living alone bonus in July after I moved into a different house alone, I got a letter back a week later requesting proof of address which I sent off immediately. I phoned the disability department thereafter for an update on my claim, they confirmed they received my proof of address, however they could not tell me when the claim would be decided on as it was being handled by another department.

My two questions - Am I eligible for the living alone bonus or is it means tested? I satisfy the ‘living alone’ part.

And what is the waiting time for these claims to be granted? I’m getting very anxious and stressed over this long waiting period. I’m doing OK financially, but long waits like this drive my anxiety crazy.

Any insight would be appreciated

TooTired123

its totally unacceptable that you have been waiting so long to be awarded living alone increase.

I can assure you that if you are living entirely on your own that you are entitled to the living alone increase.

You are also entitled to free travel, free tv license and the electricity allowance.

Subject to a means test you may also be entitled to the fuel allowance (€33 a week) and the telephone allowance (€2.50).

Im not excusing the department but by way of explanation the summer months are the worst time to apply for anything. Chronic staff shortages as a result of annual leave and “term time” and all the other leaves mean that the dept. struggles to keep up with all the applications.

Your application for living alone increase is not seen as a “priority” if you understand me.

They are struggling to get DA claims processed for people who don’t have a payment at all. You have a payment.

Don’t bother ringing. Write to them tomorrow and ask them to write back to you at their earliest convenience to update you on the status of your application. I bet you’ll be in payment with arrears paid shortly after that.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121131595#Comment_121131595

Thank you for the info. I have just applied for the ‘household benefits’ on mywelfare. I definitely don’t quality for the fuel allowance based on my means (according to Citizens Information) .

I understand I will get arrears for the living alone bonus, I just find this waiting very stressful. I keep asking myself… What’s taking so long? Are they waiting for more information? Did my application get lost in their system? Should I contact them? etc…

I will send a letter tomorrow and share any updates.

Cherry Blossom

I work and am on DA, I get fuel allowance, for I long time I thought I didn’t qualify but I think once you have satisfied the means test for DA and still get some payment you are also deemed to satisfy the means test for fuel allowance.

Cherry Blossom

Here’s the relevant part from citizens info.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121132034#Comment_121132034

It’s interesting you mention this, because when I read the same page on Citizens Information a while ago I came to the conclusion that I won’t be eligible as it says there is a €465 income limit *from all sources*, so I assumed that included DA. My DA rate (not including living alone bonus) and income from work exceeds €465.

Luckily, I did apply for the fuel allowance at the same time I sent in my Living Alone Bonus application (this was before I thought I wasn’t eligible). So if I am eligible, I imagine it will get granted at the same time as the living alone bonus.

Thanks

Cherry Blossom

Yes it’s very confusing and there’s conflicting information on there but once you’ve already passed a means test for DA it makes sense that they don’t need to means test you again for fuel allowance. I hope you don’t have to wait a lot longer.

Dempo1

Just a Quick word about additional Allowances & DA.

So I was approved for DA with Fuel Allowance & Living alone effective June. Was on a CE scheme, finishing Sept. DA wouldn't kick in till the Week after CE scheme finished, letter sent to DA section confirming end date of CE scheme, so far so good.....

Got my free Travel & Household Benefit package in the mean time by applying, no fuss.

So the fun bit....

As DA had to be "Reinstated" even though I'd not been on it Before CE scheme, I got the letter confirming my DA payment will commence next week, but missing where the additional allowances,, Bizzarely & despite already being in receipt of Fuel allowance, I had to reapply for both allowances. On looking at what occurred, the DA section saw the error, sent out application forms for me to fill & send back.

Honestly, such a Kerfuffle, you'd wonder at times is there any joined up thinking. I doubt I'll get these allowances next week with DA, but hopefully I will.

Anyway, word of caution if anyone goes on a CE scheme.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121131595#Comment_121131595

Small update. In a nice surprise, my application for the Household Benefits (electricity and TV licence) was accepted today. I applied on the 19th, and got it today (21st).

Thank you again, TooTired123, for informing me of that package.

Also, I sent a letter yesterday asking for an update on my living alone bonus and fuel allowance claims, hopefully I hear something back soon. Even just a written acknowledgment that everything with my application is OK and I’m in a queue waiting for review would be nice. The long wait and lack of communication is cruel. It makes me think my claim was lost in the system (my anxious brain always assumes the worst).

FenixTomato

Bizarre update. I collected my DA at the post office today and it included €33 for fuel. However, no living alone increase.

Also strange, I have received no communication from the department and fuel allowance does not show up on mywelfare. I have no messages on mywelfare either.

I applied for both Living Alone and Fuel at the same time (I applied for fuel through mywelfare and living alone by posting the application).

Either one of two things happened, they forgot to grant my living alone bonus claim… or fuel allowance is handled by a different section who were hammering through claims before the fuel allowance season started.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121168967#Comment_121168967

So bizzarely I was awarded both living alone & fuel allowance (although was in receipt of Fuel allowance prior to starting a CE scheme)

I've just spent 3 weeks back & 4th trying to sort out both allowances which were bizzarely removed when my DA was reinstated after finishing CE scheme, oddly they use the term reinstated even though I was only awarded DA Recently.

The error is the departments fault & I had to reapply for the Fuel allowance & living allone,forms where sent to me.

Got my 1st DA payment yesterday minus the allowances, such an unmitigated mess.

In relation to your Fuel allowance, I've been told I'll be notified in writing as the application, pending or approved doesn't show up on mywelfare. The Home Benifit does, I've been approved and can see it . As for living alone, my application also not showing, I applied for both via paper, I wasn't given the option to do so on mywelfare.

Best guest is 4 weeks from date of applications.

Such a Kerfuffle 🙄

FenixTomato

OK, another update. I received a letter yesterday from the department confirming I have been approved for Fuel Allowance. No mention of Living Alone Bonus. Hopefully that is being processed separately, though it confuses me as to why it would be.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121175424#Comment_121175424

Great, as the living alone is a built in allowance, it may be just applied automatically once approved

Cherry Blossom

I think living alone increase is processed by the section that pays your core payment eg Disability Allowance section in Longford. Fuel allowance is a separate payment with its own section and applications are processed in Sligo.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121177956#Comment_121177956

I just checked the Citizens Information page for both Fuel Allowance and Living Alone Bonus.

The address at the bottom of the page for Fuel Allowance is Sligo, while the Living Alone Bonus page says at the bottom to send your application to the department that pays your main benefit.

This confirms what you said, so mystery solved on why I only got the Fuel Allowance so far.

Dempo1

Oddly enough, When Applying for DA initially and if a person ticks the Boxes for Fuel Allowance & Living Alone it seems they are all processed by the DA section.

When applying seperately, Fuel allowance processed in Sligo.

When I was awarded DA all 3 awarded and letter from Longford.

When the Two allowances mysteriously disappeared of my DA award when reinstated on finishing CE scheme, Fuel allowance form for Sligo.

FenixTomato

Is living alone bonus paid weekly or in monthly sums?

gipi

It's paid weekly, added to your primary payment

FenixTomato

I sent another letter today requesting an update on my living alone increase application.

Something I didn’t mention here was that my weekly income from work changed in June (as I began doing fewer hours) and I emailed the department’s DA_inetinfo email address to inform them of this and they still have not increased my DA rate. It took 3 months after I emailed them on a previous occasion in February for them to correct my DA rate. I’m stunned at the current delays.

At this rate, the post office will have to close early when I collect my arrears 😂

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121223485#Comment_121223485

fenix are you near a Citizens information Centre that you might be able to go in there and ask them to give a ring to the section to enquire about your application? I’m so sorry for you because I know myself what that anxiety is like. You wouldn’t mind when you got it as long as you knew it was logged in.

If it’s any comfort, Disability Allowance section are dealing with applications they got in May at the moment.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121223738#Comment_121223738

I don’t live near a CI centre. Sorry to be cynical, but how do you know for sure they are processing May’s applications right now? Obviously they are months behind, I’m just curious why you said May specifically. That would be comforting to know.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121224005#Comment_121224005

I was talking to DA on the phone and they said they are currently processing actual DA application forms they opened in May. That’s how far behind they are. People applied for DA in June and have heard nothing at all. That’s why I was ringing.

You applied for Living Alone Increase and that’s not a priority for them when there is such a backlog in core payment applications.

Id nearly even go as far as to say that if I were you I’d fire off another application form. It’s not like it’s tricky to fill out. Just to double down. It’s absolutely no harm to do that.

This is a staffing issue. it’s shameful.

Dempo1

I can't understand the delay. I've finally got my Kerfuffle sorted including living alone allowance and all arrears for Fuel Allowance etc paid today.

Just a mention re citizens info, I had an advocate form sent to me, I completed & sent back, they can only make contact on a person's behalf if permission in writing is given, no need to go into a centre. My situation resolved before citizens info actually got around to contacting the DA section

zell12

Sounds like a Department ripe for AI takeover 😀

FenixTomato

I’m on the verge of tears…

I phoned the department yesterday to ask about my claim, the lady (I don’t blame her) told me “we received your application on XYZ date”, I forget the date she said but it was this month and corresponded with my last letter to them. She said I would have to wait 3-6 weeks.

I informed her that I submitted my application in July, to which she said that it’s strange it’s taking that long. She said she would email the department dealing with my claim to see what’s going on. This is the exact same exchange I have every time I phone them.

I sent another Living Alone application form yesterday, and today I wrote and sent a letter to the Social Welfare Appeals department explaining the issue. They probably won’t help me seeing as they deal with denied claims, whereas my claim hasn’t been decided on, but I don’t know what else to do.

This is beyond ridiculous and I’m losing my mind.

zell12

Write to a TD, ask them to raise the issue in the Dáil of waiting times for processing claims. Outline the basic facts and dates

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279233#Comment_121279233

Totally unacceptable. What an absolute sh** show.

FenixTomato

If I go to a social welfare office, can they help look into this for me?

Dempo1

This is beyond farce, OP have you taken my advice to get citizens information involved, you can have an advocacy form sent to you for signing and they'll make enquiries on your behalf.

I can only assume your change of address is the reason for the hold up but surely if it was you'd be asked to submit further information.

The only consolation is the payment will be back dated from date of application.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279830#Comment_121279830

At this stage I think you could probably go to the Ombudsman. It’s not the fact that you’ve been waiting so long. It’s the way you’re being dealt with when you contact them.

When the person who answers the phone tells you she can see your application on her screen and that you’ve been waiting a long time then she should be apologising to you and giving you an explanation.

If that’s not happening then you should get write to the ombudsman, point out all the efforts you’ve made to resolve the impasse and ask them to look into how you’ve been treated.

You do have my sympathies.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279853#Comment_121279853

I moved out alone to my current address in July, and submitted my Living Alone application immediately (as well as fuel allowance).

Within two weeks I received a single letter regarding both Living Alone and Fuel Allowance requesting proof of address. I immediately sent my electricity provider’s welcome letter as proof of address. I phoned the department weeks later and they confirmed they received the proof of address, and I was told it would take a week or two to process my claim. This turned into months of periodic phone calls with the same generic response. They seem to have logged my letters into their system, and for some reason whenever one of my letters requesting an update gets logged, they think I submitted my application on that date. I don’t know what the hell is going on, and neither do they apparently.

I must mention my fuel allowance was granted in late September, so if there was an address issue that would have been refused (FA is only paid on the basis I live alone).

FenixTomato

I’m also wondering something, let’s say I am not receiving Living Alone and I miss the €200 bonus in November. Will that bonus be included in arrears when I am eventually granted Living Alone?

Would be crappy if I missed out on that as a result of the department’s terrible delays.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279889#Comment_121279889

Unfortunately I had similar issues reinstating allowances already awarded, the staff always courteous but those answering calls are not decision makers, they can see applications etc but powerless to act. This said, OP's situation extraordinary.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279916#Comment_121279916

I'm actually Surpised they accepted a welcome letter as a POA but seemingly they have.

I'm honestly baffled, I was initially awarded FA & LAA on my award of DA but as I was on a CE scheme, I had to wait until I finished before DA & Allowances kicked in, that's when the fun started, DA minus allowances where reinstated & bizzarely I had to re apply for allowances, I did so, those I spoke to could see the mistakes but I followed instructions. It took about 4 weeks and was back dated. Why your LAA hasn't been resolved a complete mystery

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279943#Comment_121279943

Technically you have to be in receipt of the allowance to recieve COL payments but if you don't get it you've ample grounds for appeal.

zell12

Caller, written missive to local TD immediately. You can only go to Ombudsman after you've exhausted the Department's complaints process.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121279889#Comment_121279889

I actually submitted a complaint on the ombudsman.ie website shortly after posting my rant earlier. They hope to resolve complaints within 3-6 months…

I have photos of all letters I sent to the department but seemingly the ombudsman website does not accept photos when uploading supporting documents.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121280171#Comment_121280171

By the time you get your LAI I hope it’s a nice round lump and you treat yourself to something you like.

FenixTomato

ALRIGHT - finally onto something here…

I spoke to a man today who gave me the usual generic talking points, but after explaining the issue to him, he went on hold to look at something.

After coming back, he told me my first LA application made in July was REFUSED on the basis I don’t live alone, and allegedly a refusal letter was sent in July to my previous address (parents house). No such letter arrived to either address.

According to him, it was my fault because I didn’t update my address immediately before sending in the application. So the department believed I was living with my parents at the time I applied.

I bloody well knew something was wrong here. It’s shocking it took until the end of October to find out my application was refused back in July.

He mentioned my new application was scanned in the system. If I don’t have Living Alone by Christmas, I’m going to scream.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285934#Comment_121285934

As I predicted, change of address has been the cause of this, it's no excuse but the slightest change of circumstance seems to create these issues.

The fact your new Application is scanned onto the system you should have a decision soon.

I did my application entirely on mywelfare & could see it under review & with a deciding officer. I'd check even though you did application by post.

Dates will be crucial, I'd check when the new application was scanned.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121285970#Comment_121285970

There doesn’t seem to be an option to apply for Living Alone Increase on MyWelfare (I applied for FA through there successfully). If there is, please correct me.

I must admit, this issue with this technicality is probably my fault. Because when I filled in the LA application I put my parents address in the address box. I put my new address in the “explain why you’re now living alone” box of the form. The reason I did this was because I was afraid I would not receive post at my new address (rural house, no number) and I wanted to keep my parents house as my mailing address just in case.

They sent a letter in July to my NEW address regarding my LA and FA applications requesting POA for my parents address. I sent POA for my new address and included a letter explaining the mistake I made on the form. I thought this would clear any confusion, apparently not. They probably looked at my LA application with my old address and immediately binned it without seeing the note I included with the POA. Not sure why their refusal letter never arrived. This whole fiasco could have been avoided if I was aware my LA application was refused in July.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121286010#Comment_121286010

Apologies, the LAA is done in conjuction with DA or paper, I was thinking of the Household Benefit.

I can see now what's occurred, it's frustrating especially the lack of explaining when you call the section. The most important thing is that the new application is scanned onto the system & you should have a decision very soon.

I've learned from experience, the slightest change of circumstances seems to create confusion & glitches.

Fingers crossed everything will be resolved soon

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121286092#Comment_121286092

I just wanted to thank you and everyone else for the input.

I just filled out an appeal form explaining the situation and emailed it to the SW Appeals department, just to double down (or triple down at this point). I will share any updates.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121286199#Comment_121286199

Ah I know you’ve done this to double down, but you can only Appeal something if you’ve had a letter of refusal of an application.

And you can only do it within 21 days of the refusal.

Appeals don’t know anything about your application at all.

In your efforts to be completely up front with them about where you actually live you’ve inadvertently given yourself a whole load of heartache. I hope it works out for you soon.

FenixTomato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121286882#Comment_121286882

This kerfuffle could have been sorted a lot sooner if (a) I had actually received a refusal letter in July or (b) someone on the phone had told me it was refused. I would have had a new application sent in the next morning. Would be nice if this application was available to do on MyWelfare

Anyway, they know my current address and I have a LA application with the correct details in their system. Should be smooth sailing from here, I hope…

FenixTomato

HOLY S—T guys!

I’m delighted to announce I have been awarded Living Alone Increase! And a lot sooner than I expected. I’m due to collect my DA tomorrow morning but I checked MyWelfare tonight and saw this!

The LA payment is backdated to July and the telephone allowance of €2.50 is backdated (€40 is not something to scoff at in these times). I’m very delighted. I’m still mad at the terrible lack of communication from the department. It was my fault my original application was refused as I explained above but I never received a refusal letter and no one on the phone told me it had been refused until that gentleman informed me in late October.

The only issue on the agenda now is to get my DA rate raised due to the less hours I have been working since June of this year. I will send an email and letter in the coming days.

Thanks to everyone for the support.

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121339874#Comment_121339874

Delighted for you Fenix.

Bonus’ coming up too in the next few weeks, €400 DA support grant €300 fuel allowance, €200 living alone increase, Christmas bonus, €450 over the winter electricity credit and another double payment at the end of January . You deserve it after all the messing around and delays.

I wonder could you get a letter from your employer to say that your hours of work are now X instead of Y. Also some recent payslips. Photocopy everything and send it with a covering letter by registered post.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121340219#Comment_121340219

There's also the Disability support grant of €400

Well done 👌

TooTired123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121340250#Comment_121340250

Thanks Dempo I’ve edited my post to show that. I hope you have a comfortable Christmas

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121340885#Comment_121340885

And the same back to you 😉