Scheme has been expanded this year to allow more households to qualify
Fianna Fáil TD, and Spokesperson for Social Protection, welcomes the commencement of the Fuel Allowance payment for 410,000 households nationwide.
Today marks the commencement of the scheme ahead of the Winter, with the scheme now extended so more households can avail.
410,000 households will benefit from the Fuel Allowance; a measure aimed at helping people heat their home.
Speaking on the commencement of the scheme, Deputy Ardagh said, “The Fuel Allowance scheme is an essential measure for many households throughout the country. I am delighted that this scheme will now benefit more households than ever before.
“Fianna Fáil understands that households face challenges when it comes to the cost of heating their homes, and payments that commence today will help alleviate that pressure whilst undertaking a targeted approach to helping those with the costs involved.
Fuel Allowance will be paid for 28 weeks, but households have a choice of how it will be paid, through a weekly rate of €33 or if they prefer, by way of two instalment payments of €462.
Deputy Ardagh praised the expansion of the payment to those 66 and over, and for those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
“I am delighted that Minister Calleary has extended the Fuel Allowance to people over the age of 66, and they do not need to be receiving a Social Welfare payment to qualify. The qualification of those receiving Carer’s Allowance is critical also, subject to a means test. This means the Fuel Allowance is helping those who need it most.
Concluding, she said: “The introduction of Fuel Allowance has been a huge success and has given households a helping hand for the last few years. The cost of heating your home is challenging, and we want to give households a helping hand.
“In Fianna Fáil, we are committed to helping more households stay warm and supported this winter.
ENDS
