Senior Alert Scheme 2026 — free panic button alarm for people aged 65+ living alone
Senior Alert Scheme Ireland 2026
The Senior Alert Scheme provides a free personal alarm — worn as a pendant or wristband — to older people living alone. One press connects you to a 24/7 monitoring centre that can alert family or call emergency services. There is no income test and no charge for the equipment itself.
Senior Alert Scheme — At a glance
- Equipment cost
- Free
- Annual monitoring
- €60–€150/year (varies by group)
- Age requirement
- 65 or over
- Living situation
- Living alone or with another 65+ person
- Apply
- Through local registered community group — find via Pobal
How the alarm works
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Base unit | Plugs into a phone line or mobile network at home; has a built-in speaker and microphone — the monitoring centre can communicate through it |
| Personal alarm button | Worn as a pendant or wristband — waterproof, works in the shower. Press it to connect to the monitoring centre immediately |
| 24/7 monitoring centre | Trained operators answer within seconds. They speak to you, assess the situation, and contact nominated family members or emergency services if needed |
Qualifying conditions
- Aged 65 or over
- Living alone — or living only with another person aged 65+ or a person with a disability
- Ordinarily resident in Ireland
- In genuine need of a monitoring alarm for safety — assessed by the community group
- No income test or means assessment
Who runs the scheme
The Senior Alert Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Pobal. Local community groups (charities, parish groups, volunteer organisations) register with Pobal to deliver the scheme in their area. They source the equipment, check eligibility, and provide it to older people who apply.
How to apply
- Find your local community group
Contact Pobal at pobal.ie or search for "Senior Alert Scheme" with your county. Alternatively, ask your GP, public health nurse, or local Intreo/DSP office — they can refer you to the local registered group.
- Apply through the community group
The community group assesses whether you qualify and arranges delivery and installation of the equipment, usually within a few weeks.
- Equipment installed
A volunteer or technician installs the base unit in your home and demonstrates how to use the alarm button. Nominated contacts (family members) are registered with the monitoring centre.
- Ongoing monitoring
The 24/7 monitoring is active from installation. If there is an annual monitoring charge, the community group advises on payment — typically €60–€150/year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply on behalf of a parent?
Yes — a family member or carer can contact the local Senior Alert Scheme group on behalf of an older person and arrange the application process. The qualifying person must live alone or with only another 65+ person.
Does the alarm work in the garden?
The basic pendant alarm usually works within a limited range of the base unit — typically up to 100 metres, which may include the garden. GPS-enabled models work anywhere. Check with your local group which equipment is provided.
What if there is no local community group covering my area?
Some rural areas may have waiting lists or coverage gaps. Contact Pobal at pobal.ie to find the nearest registered group. If there is no group, Pobal can advise on how to apply or refer you to the nearest available provider.
Can two people in the same household each get an alarm?
Typically, one base unit per household is provided. If both occupants are aged 65+, one base unit and two personal alarm buttons can sometimes be arranged — discuss with the local community group.
What if I go to hospital or into care temporarily?
The alarm stays at your home. If you go into permanent residential care, the equipment should be returned to the community group. For temporary hospital stays, the equipment remains available when you return home.
- The equipment is free — there is no income test. The only possible cost is a small annual monitoring charge (€60–€150/year, not always charged).
- You do not apply to the government directly — applications go through local registered community groups, not Pobal or a government department.
- The equipment remains the property of the community group — it must be returned if you no longer need it.
- Both spouses in a house can qualify if both are 65+ — it is the living situation (alone or with another 65+) that matters, not strict solitary living.
- A person of any nationality can qualify — Irish citizenship is not required, only ordinary residence in Ireland.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Senior Alert Scheme eligibility and conditions.