Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
512. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify the eligibility criteria for the new fuel allowance payment for those in receipt of the working family payment, announced in Budget 2026; the proposed income thresholds, and any other qualifying conditions that will apply, when the measure is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56566/25]
View answerExtending Fuel Allowance eligibility to Working Family Payment recipients was a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am delighted to be able to introduce this extension as part of this Government’s first budget.
All Working Family Payment recipients will be considered eligible for the Fuel Allowance. This will benefit over 43,000 families and is a significant measure in tackling child poverty.
The Fuel Allowance payment will be expanded to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment from March 2026 and backdated to January 2026.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
