Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
453. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection whether it is possible to claim retrospection on the fuel allowance where it can be established that an applicant met the means guidelines but had not applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33983/23]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €412 million in 2023. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
Fuel Allowance claims are awarded from date of receipt of the application. Backdating of a claim can be considered where the applicant has demonstrated good cause for the delay in making a claim or where there are extenuating circumstances.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
