Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
340. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of working family payment recipients who are also in receipt of fuel allowance following the March 2026 extension; the estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance threshold relaxation to all working family payment recipients at the current fuel allowance rate of €38, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the importance of helping low paid working families, I announced the extension of the Fuel Allowance payment to Working Family Payment recipients. As the measure was only implemented in March, the number of recipients of both Working Family Payment and Fuel Allowance will not be available from my Department until April 2026. It is expected that in the region of 50,000 additional households will qualify for Fuel Allowance due to this measure.
To qualify for the Fuel Allowance Payment a person in receipt of the Working Family Payment must satisfy the following criteria: -
• 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.
As recipients of the Working Family Payment are deemed to have satisfied the Fuel Allowance means test, a relaxation of the Fuel Allowance threshold will not result in any additional Working Family Payment households qualifying for the Fuel Allowance Payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
