Richard Bruton
Ceist:114. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if arrears of household benefits are payable in cases in which a person was unaware of their entitlement. [34686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 June 2022
Ceisteanna (114)
Freagraí scríofa
The Household Benefits package 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.
The majority of those who qualify for Household Benefits do so as a result of being awarded a primary qualifying payment. When a primary qualifying payment for HHB is awarded to a customer, the award letter which issues advises of their possible entitlement to HHB. For those who may qualify for HHB without being in receipt of a qualifying payment, information is widely available online, and in offices, to assist customers to find out about their possible entitlements. For example, the gov.ie or Citizens Information websites are a great source of information in relation to social welfare entitlements. Also, for those who do not have access to information online, there is a broad network of Intreo Centres, Branch Offices and Citizens Information Centres around the country where people can enquire about their entitlements.
In relation to backdating of Household Benefits applications, payments can be backdated for up to 6 months where an entitlement existed, and further where there are extenuating circumstances. It is open to customers to make an application for backdating of their entitlement and each case will be considered on its own merits. However, lack of knowledge, in and of itself, is not a circumstance where backdating of Household Benefits entitlement beyond 6 months would be considered.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.