Seán Sherlock
Question:31. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that have been received and approved for fuel allowance in 2021 and to date in 2022. [5354/22]
View answerThursday, 3 February 2022
Questions (31)
Written answers
In Budget 2022, I was pleased to announce a number of reforms to the fuel allowance scheme including an increase in the weekly rate by €5 to €33, and a €20 increase in the weekly income means threshold with both measures implemented with effect from budget night. It is estimated that approx. 400,000 households will benefit from this payment in 2022.The table below provides the number of new Fuel Allowance applications received and awarded in 2021 and in 2022 to date, as requested by the Deputy. Once awarded, there is no requirement for recipients to reapply for the allowance on an annual basis.
|
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
|
Number of Fuel Applications received |
71,385 |
7,271 |
|
Number of Fuel Applications awarded |
49,786 |
3,920 |
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department provides discretionary exceptional needs payments, where appropriate, to people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills. These applications are considered on a case by case basis.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.