Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
199. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will realign the qualification thresholds for the household benefits package with the newly increased fuel allowance thresholds; if she could provide an estimated costing for this measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6403/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. My Department will spend approximately €285 million this year on HHB for over 507,000 customers. People over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household. The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test. The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
In line with previous increases to the allowable means for Fuel Allowance, the means test threshold for the HHB package was similarly increased. Therefore, from the 2nd of January 2023, the means threshold for HHB purposes for people aged between 66 and under 70 years was increased from €120 to €200 a week above the relevant State Pension (Contributory) rate.
The cost of this measure in 2023 is estimated to be in the region of €1 - 1.5 million.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
