Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
769. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the fuel allowance per year from 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40167/26]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is made over the winter season from September to April at the weekly rate of €38 from January 2026 or, if preferred, by way of two (lump sum) instalments, one in September and one in January. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
Recipients of Working Family Payment were eligible for Fuel Allowance since the 1st of January 2026. There are currently 48,992 supported by Working Family Payment and receiving Fuel Allowance for the month of April 2026.
The table below details the numbers receiving weekly and instalment payments for the past six years:
|
Year |
Fuel Allowance |
|
2020 |
375,269 |
|
2021 |
366,793 |
|
2022 |
386,846 |
|
2023 |
411,395 |
|
2024 |
413,921 |
|
2025 |
420,646 |
|
April 2026 |
468,830 |
