Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
22. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on the planned extension of the fuel allowance scheme to families in receipt of the working family payment; the expected number of beneficiary households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/26]
View answerExtending Fuel Allowance eligibility to Working Family Payment recipients was a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am delighted to have introduced this extension as part of this Government’s first budget.
The Fuel Allowance payment will be expanded to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment from March 2026 and backdated to January 2026. Based on the number of people currently in receipt of the Working Family Payment it is estimated that some 50,000 households will benefit from the measure.
This measure also supports the commitment within the Programme for Government to "enhance supports for lone parents" as almost two thirds of Working Family Payment recipients are single adult households. The Government is committed to supporting children and families with targeted supports to those most in need.
Recipients of the Working Family Payment will be deemed to have satisfied the Fuel Allowance means test and the Household Composition criteria. However, to receive the Fuel Allowance payment, Working Family Payment recipients must satisfy the following conditions:
• Be legally resident in the State;
• Be awarded and in receipt of the Working Family Payment;
• Their heating needs must not be provided for in full as part of their accommodation; and
• One payment of Fuel Allowance per household rule applies.
My Department officials are continuing to work to ensure that this budget measure is implemented in March.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
