Séamus McGrath
Ceist:1377. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the qualification criteria for the fuel allowance (details supplied). [46117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonday, 8 September 2025
Ceisteanna (1377)
Freagraí scríofa
The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to the Department in as targeted a manner as possible. To qualify for the Fuel Allowance payment, a person must satisfy all the qualifying criteria, this ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment is targeted at those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty, including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
A change in the qualifying criteria such as including those in low paid employment aged under 66 and not in receipt of a qualifying social protection payment, would have to be considered in the context of budgetary negotiations. Disregarding a household member who is not reliant on long term social protection payments and who is in employment would change the targeted nature of the scheme.
I understand however that there will always be exceptional cases and it is for this reason that my department provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. My department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie/.