Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
359. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views that those aged 70 years and over in receipt of the household benefits package should be entitled to any lump sum payments provided to those who qualify for the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44886/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe measures contained in the Budget are designed to support the most vulnerable in our society with the increased cost of living and it is for this reason that I announced that Fuel Allowance recipients would receive a €300 lump-sum payment in November.
The qualifying criteria for Fuel Allowance ensure that the payment is targeted at those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty, including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
A person aged 70 or over may receive the Household Benefit package irrespective of their means or their household composition.
As part of the overall welfare Budget 2023 package a number of considerable reforms were made to the Fuel Allowance Scheme. These reforms ensured that more older people qualified for the Fuel Allowance payment.
The reforms included a new means threshold for those aged over 70 of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. The means threshold is based on gross income. In addition, for people aged 70 or over, the amount of capital (savings and investments) that is disregarded in the means test for Fuel Allowance was increase from €20,000 to €50,000. Savings over €50,000 are assessed on a proportionate basis only.
Finally, my Department provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an urgent need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
