Ireland Budget 2027: State pension likely to rise by €10

The Irish Government is expected to announce a €10 increase to the State pension and core welfare payments as part of Budget 2027. This revised figure is an increase from an initial proposal of €7.50.

Other anticipated measures include an increase to the Living Alone Allowance and a disability cost payment exceeding €400 annually. Additionally, a €100 culture card for 16 and 17-year-olds is likely to be included in the budget.

While the prospect of a pension increase has been welcomed, the advocacy group ALONE noted that such a rise may not be sufficient on its own, highlighting that one-third of older people living alone are currently below the poverty line. The group has called for more targeted supports, including the Fuel Allowance.

Budget negotiations have been described as robust, with the Department of Public Expenditure aiming to limit the overall spending increase for the coming year to 6%.