Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2022
130. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who have applied for the fuel allowance from 7 November 2022 are entitled to the €400 one-off payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33.00; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 billion, I am pleased to have secured a major expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme, which will benefit up to 81,000 additional households from January 2023. As part of these Budget measures, I announced an additional lump sum payment of €400 to households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment.
The additional payment of €400 will be made to all households in receipt of Fuel Allowance in the week beginning 14th November 2022. Those in receipt of weekly Fuel Allowance payments will receive their weekly payment of €33.00 plus the additional payment of €400.00, and those who receive their payment by lump sum will receive the additional lump sum of €400.00.
The €400.00 lump sum will also be paid to all those whose entitlement to Fuel Allowance commences on or before week beginning 14th November 2022, even though their claim may be decided later than that week.
The additional €400.00 payment will issue automatically to all recipients of Fuel Allowance; they do not need to contact my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
