Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
150. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if the allowance for electricity units for the elderly and persons claiming such entitlements can be increased due to planned increases from energy suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50019/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the Electricity/Gas Allowance (€35 per month) and the Free Television Licence Scheme. My Department will spend approximately €265 million this year on HHB for over 480,000 customers.
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. Disability Allowance is one of these qualifying payments.
Any decision to enhance the overall HHB package or to increase the electricity and gas aspect of the package would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include help towards the cost of utility bills. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
