Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1246. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department notifies persons who meet the criteria and are eligible for the household benefits package (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40664/22]
View answerThe Household Benefits package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and a free television licence. The 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 the age of 66, who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
The majority of people who qualify for Household Benefits do so as a result of being awarded a primary qualifying payment, such as state pension. When a person is awarded a qualifying payment for Household Benefits, they are notified of their possible entitlement to the package.
For those who qualify without being in receipt of a qualifying payment, information is made widely available both on line at Gov.ie and the Citizens Information websites as well as being provided by the Department's Intreo and Branch Offices and by the Citizens Information Services countrywide. All of these supports are aimed at informing customers about possible household budget package entitlement.
I hope this clarifies the position.
