Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
483. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending fuel allowance to households in receipt of working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4185/23]
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 €412 million in 2023. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
While Working Family Payment (WFP) is not a qualifying payment for fuel allowance, people may receive fuel allowance while on WFP if they have an entitlement based on their primary payment (e.g. One Parent Family Payment).
The estimated cost of extending the Fuel Allowance payment to all those in receipt of the Working Family Payment (WFP) is €23.2 Million. This estimate is based on a weekly Fuel Allowance rate of €33 and a payment period of 28 weeks.
