Marian Harkin
Ceist:447. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an issue (details supplied) in relation to D stamp pensioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 October 2022
Ceisteanna (447)
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. 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
Those age 70 or over will also no longer be required to be in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment to be able to access the Fuel Allowance payment. All other relevant qualifying conditions for the Fuel Allowance payment will have to be satisfied.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.