Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
322. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has no entitlement to the household benefits package; the options available at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43652/23]
View answerThe Household Benefits Package helps towards the costs of electricity or gas bills. It also includes a free television licence. Only one Household Benefits Package is payable per household.
The Household Benefits Package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment, or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to some people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. For customers aged 70 or over, there is no requirement to be in receipt of a qualifying payment or to satisfy a means test.
As the person concerned is aged between 66 and 70 and is not in receipt of a qualifying payment, they must satisfy a means test. There is no record of an application having been made by the person concerned to date.
To check their eligibility, the person concerned should apply online at MyWelfare.ie for the Household Benefits Package or, alternatively, they can complete and return the paper application form which has been posted to them.
On receipt of their application, the person's entitlement will be examined and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
