Pensions and Income Supports
Your income situation may change significantly upon reaching 70, with various state pensions and supplementary payments available to support you.
The State Pension (Contributory)
If you have paid sufficient Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions throughout your working life, you are eligible for the State Pension (Contributory) from age 66. At 70, you will continue to receive this pension, which is not means-tested. The amount you receive is based on your contribution history and is paid to you regardless of any other income you may have. You can choose to defer claiming your pension up to age 70 for an enhanced weekly rate.
The State Pension (Non-Contributory)
If you do not qualify for the contributory pension, or only qualify for a reduced rate, you can apply for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) from age 66. This is a means-tested payment, so your total income and assets are taken into account. At 70, a means-test will continue to apply, but certain entitlements, such as the Household Benefits Package, are available to you on a non-means-tested basis regardless of your pension type.
Living Alone Increase
For those on a social welfare pension who live alone, a supplementary weekly payment known as the Living Alone Increase is available. This is designed to provide extra support to those living independently.
Household and Travel Benefits
Reaching 70 entitles you to key benefits that help with household costs and transportation, improving your quality of life.
The Household Benefits Package (HBP)
For everyone aged 70 or over and living permanently in Ireland, the HBP is available without a means test or needing a qualifying social welfare payment. The package includes:
- An electricity or gas allowance, paid monthly as a credit on your bill or into your bank account.
- A Free Television Licence, renewed annually.
The Free Travel Scheme
All individuals aged 66 and over living in Ireland are entitled to the Free Travel Scheme, allowing free travel on most public transport. For those aged 70 or over, an exciting new companion pass was introduced in September 2025. This allows a companion (aged 16 or over) to travel with you for free, removing the previous medical assessment requirement for a companion pass.
Free Travel Companion Pass at 70 vs. Under 70
| Feature | Age 70 or Over | Under 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Basis | Automatic eligibility for a companion pass from September 2025, no medical assessment required. | A companion pass is only available on medical grounds, requiring a medical assessment. |
| Application Process | Automatically issued for eligible existing Free Travel Pass holders. | Must apply with supporting medical information. |
Healthcare Entitlements
Access to affordable healthcare is a significant concern for seniors, and Ireland provides enhanced entitlements at age 70.
Free GP Visit Card
From age 70, you are entitled to a GP Visit Card without an income test. This covers free visits to participating GPs, helping with routine medical care. For those on an income below a certain threshold, the Medical Card provides an even wider range of free health services.
Higher Medical Card Income Limits
For those aged 70 or over, the income limits to qualify for a medical card are significantly higher than for younger people. This makes it easier for many to access the full suite of medical card benefits, including free GP care, prescribed drugs (with a prescription charge), and public hospital services.
The Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)
For those without a medical card, the Drugs Payment Scheme caps the amount an individual or family must pay for prescribed medicines, providing financial predictability for ongoing medication costs.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
This scheme provides free drugs and medical appliances for the treatment of specific long-term illnesses, regardless of age or income. If you have one of the listed conditions, you can access this benefit.
Additional Support and Tax Reliefs
Beyond the primary entitlements, several other supports are available to help seniors with their finances and living arrangements.
Housing and Mobility Grants
- Housing Aid for Older People Grant: Administered by local authorities for essential repairs to help older people remain in their homes.
- Mobility Aids Grant Scheme: Offers support for mobility adaptations like ramps and stairlifts.
- Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability: Helps with alterations needed for people with a disability to live safely and independently at home.
Tax Reliefs
Individuals aged 65 and over benefit from specific tax reliefs, which continue at age 70. These include tax exemption limits for low-income earners, as well as tax credits for expenses like employing a carer or nursing home fees. People over 66 also no longer pay Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI), and medical card holders over 70 on an income below a certain limit pay a reduced rate of Universal Social Charge.
Conclusion
Turning 70 in Ireland provides access to a wide array of support, from financial and travel to healthcare and housing. Many of these entitlements are universal and not subject to a means test, ensuring valuable support for a comfortable and secure retirement. It is highly recommended to engage with official sources like citizensinformation.ie to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
