Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
358. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of expanding eligibility for the fuel allowance to all those on the working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each fuel season) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist qualifying households with their energy costs.
Fuel Allowance is a household payment and the circumstances and income of any other member of the household is taken into account when deciding a Fuel Allowance application. Accordingly, it is very difficult to provide an accurate estimate for the proposed measure. However, using certain assumptions, it is expected that it could cost an estimated €22.4 million in a full year.
The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly, tax-free payment available to employees with children. It gives extra financial support to families with children with rates depending on their incomes and family size. It is not considered a long-term Social Protection payment, is not subject to a capital means test, and recipients are in full time employment. A person in receipt of the WFP can continue to receive the payment for 52 weeks even if their income increases.
Any proposals to consider expanding the eligibility criteria for the fuel allowance would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
