Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
127. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the new income limits for over-70s fuel allowance to couples whose combined weekly income is under €1,000, regardless of whether both are in receipt of a qualifying payment (details supplied). [59631/22]
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.
In Budget 2023, I secured funding for the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme. It is estimated that this expansion could bring up to 81,000 additional households into the scheme. The changes announced take effect from the first week in January.
For applicants aged 70 and over, there is a new means test limit of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. I can confirm that from January, an over-70 applicant or their spouse (irrespective of whether they are over or under 70) no longer needs to be in receipt of a qualifying payment. Existing household composition rules continue to apply.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
