Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
369. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the date from which recipients of the fuel allowance will receive the additional payment €125; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12937/22]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33.00; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
The Government is acutely aware of the increase in consumer prices in recent months, especially the increase in fuel and other energy prices. To help mitigate the effects of these rising costs, the Government has announced additional expenditure measures of €505 million. As part of these measures, I announced an additional lump sum payment of €125 to households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment. This additional lump sum payment is estimated to cost €46.5 million.
The additional payment of €125 will be made to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance in the week beginning 14th March 2022. Those in receipt of weekly Fuel Allowance payments will be paid their weekly payment of €33.00 plus the additional payment of €125.00 and those who receive their payment by lump sum will receive their additional lump sum of €125.00.
The additional €125 payment will issue automatically to all Fuel Allowance recipients, they do not need to contact the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
