Fuel Allowance Ending Next Month in Social Welfare Ireland
The Department of Social Protection reminds recipients that the Fuel Allowance season for 2023-2024 will come to an end next month. This seasonal payment assists low-income households with covering their winter heating costs.
(Also read Dublin Asylum Seekers Sleeping in Tents Endure Freezing Cold.)
For a total of €924 throughout the course of the 28-week season, one person per home is awarded the Fuel Allowance. Recipients can choose to receive the allowance in 28 weekly instalments of €33 or in two lump sums of €462 each.
Those who opted for the two-payment option received their first instalment in September 2023 and the second in January 2024. For those receiving weekly instalments, the first payment was issued on September 25th, 2023, with the final payment scheduled for April 5th, 2024.
Eligibility For The Fuel Allowance Requires Meeting Specific Criteria, Including:
- Living alone or with specific qualifying individuals.
- Receiving a qualifying social welfare payment (unless over 70).
- Passing a means test.
- Residing in Ireland.
Important note: Individuals whose heating costs are fully covered by their accommodation are not eligible for the Fuel Allowance.
Qualifying Individuals To Share A Household With The Recipient Include:
- Spouses, civil partners, or cohabiting individuals receiving qualifying payments.
- Dependent children.
- Full-time carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or Benefit.
- those who are getting basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance or short-term Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- Others receiving qualifying payments would themselves be eligible for the Fuel Allowance.
- Individuals aged 70 or over.
In households with multiple social assistance recipients, one person can apply for the Fuel Allowance. Furthermore, eligibility for those over 70 does not depend on a qualifying payment.
The Department encourages anyone unsure about their eligibility or interested in applying for the Fuel Allowance to visit the Citizens Information website or contact their local social welfare office.
