asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that if a person gets an increase in a pension which brings it over £273.75 per annum he loses his free electricity allowance; and if he will take steps to prevent this happening.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - Free Electricity Allowance.
9.
Eligibility for free electricity allowance is confined to persons over 70 years who are in receipt of old age pension or similar social welfare type pension and who fulfil the other conditions of the scheme. As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware not only is the qualifying age for the old age pension being reduced to 69 years from July next but the means conditions for non-contributory pensions are being very considerably eased. No other changes affecting the free electricity scheme are at present contemplated.
The problem here is that, with rapidly progressing parity in pensions, people who benefit by these schemes pass the limit and may not receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider this matter?
As the Deputy is aware, the qualifying limit was £273. As and from next month that limit will be increased to £494. Therefore, I doubt very much if this problem will arise.