Robert Troy
Ceist:512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the changes in relation to fuel allowance in Budget 2023 (details supplied). [50094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 October 2022
Ceisteanna (512)
Freagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. Only one allowance is paid per household.
In Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme. As part of this, from January 2023, a new means test will be introduced for over 70s. Under the new means test, a single person over 70 will be able to have income of €500 per week and a couple will be able to have income of €1,000 per week and still qualify for Fuel Allowance
Also, from January 2023, the standard means test for persons under 70 will be increased by €80 from €120 to €200 over the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory. In addition, the Disablement Benefit and the half-rate Carer's Allowance payment will be disregarded when assessing means for Fuel Allowance purposes.
It is estimated these measures combined will bring up to 81,000 households into the Fuel Allowance Scheme. My Department is already working on developing the IT and administrative systems to give effect to these changes.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.