Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2022
135. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that some pensioners in the age bracket 60 to 69 years of age who paid a class D stamp are not permitted to access the household benefits package until they are 70 years old; if she is considering changing the rules for this cohort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. 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. My Department will spend approximately €273 million this year on HHB.
A person aged between 66 and 69 who is not receiving a qualifying payment from the Department such as the State Pension (Contributory) may still apply for the HHB package, subject to satisfying a means test. This includes a person who previously paid a class D stamp.
The means test involves calculating their appropriate weekly means limit. This limit is based on the current maximum rate of State pension (contributory) including any increases for age, living alone, and adult/child dependents plus €120. The weekly income limit is then compared to their weekly means as assessed in a means test. If their weekly means are less than or equal to their income limit, then they satisfy the means test and qualify for the household benefits package, subject to also satisfying all other qualifying conditions.
Any decision to change the qualifying criteria for HHB to allow persons such as civil and public servants who paid a class D stamp to automatically qualify for the package when they turn 66 would have wider budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
