Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
522. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has engaged with, or intends to engage with, the UK department for work and pensions regarding the recent changes to the winter fuel allowance eligibility criteria; if his Department will seek clarification on whether UK pensioners residing in Ireland under the common travel area will be afforded eligibility for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56889/25]
View answerMy department officials engage with the UK Department for Work and Pensions on an ongoing basis on issues impacting social security entitlements across the Common Travel Area, including any changes to benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment.
Clarification on entitlements to UK payments is a matter for our UK counterparts and it would not be appropriate for my Department to comment on their behalf or, to make a statement on matters relating to UK payments. However, I can confirm that customers residing in the Republic of Ireland who are in receipt of a state pension from the UK can apply for the Fuel Allowance Payment in Ireland. To be entitled to the payment they, as with customers in receipt of an Irish pension, will need to satisfy the eligibility criteria relating to that payment, including a means-test.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
