Social welfare €10 monthly boost latest for thousands as Minister in increase ‘consideration’ update before Budget 2027

THOUSANDS of households could be in line for a boost to their €10 monthly cash under plans being examined ahead of Budget 2027.

It comes after questions were raised to the Minister for Social Protection over increasing and extending the Telephone Support Allowance to more people.

The allowance is currently paid at a rate of €2.50 per week to people on certain social welfare schemes who also qualify for both the Living Alone Increase and Fuel Allowance.

It is designed to help some of the country’s most vulnerable people stay connected through access to phones or personal alarm systems.

And Independent TD Robert O’Donoghue has asked Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary if the €2.50 weekly cash – which works out at €10 monthly – could be hiked.

He said the money should be increased in line with inflation, rising communication costs and the “growing necessity” of mobile phone and data services for access to healthcare, banking, transport, and Government services.

O’Donoghue also called for eligibility rules to be widened beyond the current living alone requirement.

He argued that many people receiving Disability Allowance and pension payments depend on mobile phones for safety, independence and access to essential daily supports.

In response, Calleary said the Department’s priority is ensuring support reaches people who are most at risk of isolation, including older people and those living with disabilities.

He said the Telephone Support Allowance plays an important role in helping vulnerable groups maintain access to communication and security services.

However, he stressed that any move to expand eligibility or increase the €10 monthly payment rate would have to be assessed in line with Government policy and available funding.

He said: “Consideration is always given to any proposals to improve my Department’s Scheme.

“However, any proposal to expand the scheme qualifying criteria and increase the rate payable for the Telephone Support Allowance could only be considered while taking account of overall Government policy and in a budgetary context.”

Mr Calleary pointed out that recipients of the allowance already benefited from Budget 2026 measures.

He noted that Fuel Allowance recipients received a €5 weekly increase while primary social welfare payments rose by €10 per week across the board.

He also highlighted that long-term welfare recipients received a Christmas Bonus payment last December.

The Minister said he will continue to examine possible improvements to the scheme as part of Budget 2027.

And he added that any future changes would depend on financial resources and the Government’s budget priorities.

He added: “I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that this benefit continues to target vulnerable cohorts.

“Any future decisions will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.”