Fuel Allowance Scheme payments to start this week

The first of this winter’s Fuel Allowance Scheme payments are set to start this week.

The means-assessed payment will be paid for 28 weeks to 410,000 households across the state.

It is made at the weekly rate of 33 euros or, if preferred, by way of two instalment payments of 462 euros each.

The scheme was recently expanded to allow more households to qualify this year.

From January 2025, the over 70s enhanced qualifying conditions were extended to people aged 66 and over.

These enhanced conditions include a person aged over 66 years no longer has to be in receipt of a social protection payment to apply for Fuel Allowance.

Meanwhile, a single person aged 66 or over can have means of 524 euros per week while a couple can have means of 1,048 euros per week.

In addition, the amount of capital that is disregarded was increased from 20,000 euros to 50,000 euros.

Furthermore, from January 2025, Carer’s Allowance became a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance, subject to the applicant meeting all criteria of the Fuel Allowance scheme, including satisfying the means test.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary urged people to check if they are eligible to join those receiving the payment.

“I am delighted to announce that Fuel Allowance payments will commence this week to 410,000 households across the state,” he said.

“The Fuel Allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months.

“This is such a valuable support for so many households.

“We have expanded the eligibility conditions this year to allow more households to qualify and I encourage people to check their eligibility for this important payment.”