Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1002. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of additional households that received the fuel allowance for the 2021-2022 winter season compared to 2020-2021; the number of additional households that were included as a result of the extension to income threshold as announced in Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19762/22]
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 Department generally collates data on an annual basis. The table below provides the number of Fuel Allowance recipients as at December 2020 and December 2021. The data for 2022 is not yet available.
|
Year |
Number of Recipients |
|
2020 |
375,269 |
|
2021 |
374,861 |
When the change in means threshold for the scheme was introduced, it was estimated that up to 7,800 additional households could qualify for the payment. It should be noted that due to changes in circumstances, the number of qualifying recipients at any one time fluctuates on an ongoing basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
