Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
260. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the €500 payment for people with disabilities to those who have moved to the State contributory pension due to their age (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52477/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023, the Social Protection budget has been designed to assist people with cost-of-living increases through a mix of lump sum payments, increases to weekly payment rates and an expansion of the fuel allowance scheme.
The measures introduced include the provision of a one-off €500 Cost-of-Living lump sum, which will be paid in November 2022 to recipients of the Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and the Carer's Support Grant. Recipients who are in receipt of one (or more) of these payments will qualify for the €500 payment.
Persons in receipt of a State Pension are not eligible for this lump sum. They will however receive a double payment of their pension on 21st October 2022 under the Autumn Cost-of-Living Support measure which I also announced in the recent Budget and will receive a Christmas Bonus double payment on 9th December 2022.
Persons in receipt of Fuel Allowance will receive a €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance payment. Persons who are in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance will receive a €200 Living Alone Lump Sum payment. Both of these payments will be paid in the week commencing 14th November 2022.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
