Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
506. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households which benefit from the fuel scheme; and how this number has grown as a result of the extended eligibility introduced in January 2023. [35376/23]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other longer-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards winter heating costs; it is not intended to meet these costs in full.
The payment is made over the winter season at the weekly rate of €33.00 or, if preferred, by way of two instalments (payable in September and January). 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. In September 2022, at the start of the 2022/23 Fuel Allowance season, there were approximately 369,000 households in receipt of Fuel Allowance. By the end of the 2022/23 Fuel Allowance season, in April 2023, the number of households supported had increased to over 404,000. This was an increase of approximately 35,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance.
It should be remembered that the number of qualified households continuously fluctuates, as recipients join and exit the scheme as their circumstances change.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
