A third of older people reliant on social welfare for 90% of income

Many who rely on  the State pension face 'poverty and deprivation', according to Age Action. Picture: PA

Nearly a third of older people are relying on social welfare payments for the vast majority of their income, according to a new report.

'Spotlight on Income in Older Age — The State of Ageing' found that 30% of people aged 66 years and older rely on State payments from the Department of Social Protection for more than 90% of the money they live on.