Disappointment has been expressed today (Tues) that there has not been further support for older people in Budget 2020.
ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, said they were ‘frustrated’ that there has not been further support in the areas of pensions and home supports while welcoming initiatives such as the increase to the living alone allowance.
“The decision to deny older people any increase to their pension is hugely frustrating,” Seán Moynihan, ALONE CEO, said.
“Many people assume that older people have their financial needs met by their state pension. Financial hardship is often a hidden issue among older people, yet it is the third most frequent reason older people contact ALONE.
“In 2017, more than 63,000 people over 65 were experiencing enforced deprivation.
“In order to deliver financial security to older people, the pension needs to be benchmarked against 35% of average earnings, which would require an increase of at least €7-€9 to the state pension this year and in the coming years.”
