Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
488. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the recently announced increase in the threshold for fuel allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The new means test limit of €1,000 will be applicable to a couple once one of them is aged 70 or over. Therefore, both partners do not have to be aged 70 or over to benefit from the new measure.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
