Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2022
68. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection if support will be provided for persons (details supplied) who have yet to receive their €400 lump sum payment which was due on 18 November 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61080/22]
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.
Based on the information available to my department, the persons concerned, who are in receipt of a State Contributory Pension (SPC), have not made an application for the Fuel Allowance scheme.
As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 billion, I announced an additional lump sum payment of €400.00 to households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment.
The additional payment of €400.00 was paid to all households in receipt of Fuel Allowance in the week beginning 14th November 2022. Those in receipt of weekly Fuel Allowance payments received their weekly payment of €33.00 plus the additional payment of €400.00, and those who received their payment by lump sum received the additional lump sum payment of €400.00.
The €400.00 lump sum will also be paid to all those whose entitlement to Fuel Allowance commenced on or before week beginning 14th November 2022, even though their claim may be decided later than that week.
The additional €400.00 payment was issued automatically to all recipients of Fuel Allowance; they did not need to contact my Department.
To make an application, the quickest and easiest way to apply is online at mywelfare.ie . Alternatively, if the person concerned is unable to access online services, an application form for Fuel Allowance has been issued to the person concerned and their entitlement can be examined when they submit the completed application to the National Fuel Scheme Section in Sligo. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
