Written Answers Nos. 557-576
557. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to households where a family member requires continuous electrically powered medical equipment, including oxygen machines, resulting in substantially increased electricity bills; if additional supports are available through the exceptional needs payment system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra560. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the introduction of a dedicated support payment or allowance for households where a person is medically dependent on continuous electrically powered medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 560 together.
Under the Household Benefits Scheme an electricity or gas allowances is paid to those who qualify for the scheme. The electricity or gas allowance is paid monthly, at a rate of €1.15 a day equating to a yearly rate of €420.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
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, such as utility bills, that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, including the need presented and available resources, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
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 for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Department schemes are kept under review and any changes would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
558. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility criteria for the electricity allowance under the household benefits package; if medical dependency on electricity is considered in eligibility decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeople over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household. The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test. Likewise, the package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
In general, access to the Household Benefits Package for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary social protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and in the case of Disability and Carer's allowance to an assessment of their means. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.
Any decision to enhance the Household Benefits Package, including any decision to extend to those who have a medical dependency on electricity would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups. This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups.
I trust this clarifies the position.
559. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments issued in each of the past three years to assist households with electricity costs; the total expenditure incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31914/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot meet from their own resources, including those who face difficulties in meeting fuel and electricity bills.
Table 1 shows the number of payments issued and associated expenditure to assist with heating and household bills, including electricity bills from 2023-2026 (end of March).
My Department also publishes quarterly statistics on Additional Needs Payments in the Quarterly Statistics report, which is available on gov.ie.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement
Table 1- Number of Additional Needs Payments issued annually and associated expenditure to assist with household bills and heating, including electricity bills from 2023-2026(end of March).
|
Category |
No of payments 2023 |
Expenditure 2023 |
No of payments 2024 |
Expenditure 2024 |
No of payments 2025 |
Expenditure 2025 |
No of payments 2026 |
Expenditure 2026 |
|
Household Bills |
2,935 |
€1,563,111 |
1,709 |
€1,003,471 |
1,647 |
€965,181 |
506 |
€251,289 |
|
Heating |
2,897 |
€1,432,350 |
1,512 |
€713,941 |
984 |
€432,795 |
304 |
€140,153 |
|
Total |
5,832 |
€2,995,461 |
3,221 |
€1,717,412 |
2,631 |
€1,397,976 |
810 |
€391,442 |
561. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will arrange for an official from the NSSO to meet with a person (details supplied) to discuss any under or over payment in their pension calculation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn official from my Department has contacted the individual concerned.
562. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to change the eligibility criteria for the back-to-work enterprise allowance scheme to include individuals who are signing on for PRSI credits but who do not receive a payment due to means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32034/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to re-entering the labour market. The scheme supports people in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their payment over two years.
There are no plans to extend the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme to persons who do not have an underlying entitlement to a social welfare scheme.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment provide a range of tailored supports for enterprise in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
563. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there has been engagement with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to examine the way in which energy retrofit and solar supports can better assist older persons on fixed incomes, including those in receipt of the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of financial supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock.
The supports provided by the Government are cross departmental and, in this regard, my Department is represented on the Energy Affordability Taskforce, under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The priority of my department is to provide income support that assists households to meet their energy costs. Energy retrofit and solar supports fall under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and queries in relation to this should be submitted to that department.
The range of supports provided by my department includes the Fuel Allowance Payment. Households that qualify for this payment also qualify for free home energy upgrades under the warmer homes scheme which again is under the remit of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
564. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a worker who paid Class A PRSI contributions up to 2022 (details supplied) before becoming self-employed, is excluded from illness benefit during a short term illness despite having a substantial contribution record; if he accepts that this creates a gap in income protection for self-employed individuals; and if he will outline any plans to extend illness benefit or introduce a short term illness support for class S contributors. [32099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness Benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance. Eligibility for Illness Benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. The person must have made the required number of contributions under class A, E, H or P to qualify. In general, self-employed people make PRSI contributions at class S which does not provide entitlement to Illness Benefit.
Self-employed contributors pay class S PRSI at a rate of 4.2%. This is 11.25 percentage points lower than the combined employer and employee contribution of 15.45% made in respect of employed contributors. However, self-employed contributors do have access to over 90% of benefits available to employed contributors.
The only benefits that class S PRSI does not provide access to are Health and Safety Benefit, Illness Benefit and Occupational Injuries Benefits. Self-employed contributors who are ill may qualify for Invalidity Pension.
Please see below the qualifying conditions to enable a person to claim Illness Benefit.
Social Insurance Contributions (PRSI)
A person must have at least 104 class A, E, H, or P social insurance (PRSI) contributions paid since first starting work. Only PRSI contributions paid at these classes are reckonable for Illness Benefit.
They must also meet either Condition 1 or Condition 2 below:
Condition 1
A person must have 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which 13 contributions must be paid contributions.
If the person does not have 13 paid contributions in the relevant tax year, then 13 paid contributions in one of the following tax years can be used instead:
- Either of the two tax years before the relevant tax year.
- The last complete tax year (before the year in which a person’s claim for Illness Benefit begins).
- The current tax year.
OR
Condition 2
A person must have 26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the relevant tax year, and
26 weeks of PRSI contributions paid in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year.
The relevant tax year is the second-last complete tax year before the year in which a person’s claim for Illness Benefit begins.
EXAMPLE 1: If you make a claim in 2026, the relevant tax year is 2024.
EXAMPLE 2: If you make a claim in 2027 the relevant tax year is 2025.
In relation to your question, the customer has more than 104 total contributions paid at class A since first starting to work. He does not, however, satisfy condition 1 or 2. He does not have 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, of which 13 must be paid contributions. The relevant tax year in his case is 2024 and he has 52S class contributions paid in this year. This means he does not satisfy condition 2 - 26 PRSI contributions paid in the relevant tax year and in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year (2023). He has no contributions paid at class A in either 2024 or 2023, therefore, unfortunately, he does not qualify for Illness Benefit.
In circumstances where people are ill but do not qualify for Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, my department provides means tested supports under the Disability Allowance scheme and the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. An Additional Needs Payment may also be available to people who have expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
The Programme for Government includes an action to explore the option of giving self-employed workers access to Illness Benefit by means of making a higher PRSI contribution. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if any funding assistance can be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers the Back to Education Allowance, which provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of qualifying payments who take full-time courses of education at Further or Higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist people improve their qualifications and as a result improve their access to sustainable employment.
For context, there are two study options under the Back to Education Allowance:
• The Further Level Education option which enables study to be undertaken provided it leads to an award from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) up to and including level 6.
• The Higher-Level Education option enables study to be undertaken to an award at QQI up to and including level 8 and in limited circumstances to include postgraduate study (Level 9).
In order to be eligible for support under the Back to Education Allowance, the course of study being pursued must be a full-time day course and lead to a qualification that is:
• recognised by the Department of Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS); or
• awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
The course that the person is undertaking with the Atlantic Flight Training Academy is not QQI accredited and does not lead to a qualification that is recognized by DFHERIS. Therefore, it is not eligible for support under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
The Higher Education Authority have information about alternative sources of funding that may be appropriate, including Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
I trust this clarifies the matter.
566. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedures in place to detect the use of forged or AI generated documents submitted in support of social welfare claims; whether his Department has experienced an increase in suspected fraud involving forged or AI generated documentation in the past three years; the number of cases referred to investigation annually since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32180/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible, receive welfare and other payments. Achieving this requires that robust safeguards are in place that secure our payment systems, detect possible fraud and error, and prevent possible fraudulent claiming.
In order to combat the use of forged documents the department has a range of verification processes in place to validate and verify the information provided by a customer. The department also engages in data matching with external bodies and agencies to identify inconsistencies in information provided. Information is only exchanged in line with the appropriate legislative provisions.
There are a range of reasons that a claim may be refused or stopped. The department does not maintain specific records of claims that are refused or stopped as a result of forged documentation.
My department continues to work in an ever-changing environment and is constantly required to meet new challenges and update its processes to remain alert and to respond to new and emerging forms of fraud and non-compliance.
567. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of people who have been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's benefit continuously since December 2019; the ages and geographical locations of these recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Labour Force Survey is the official measure of employment and unemployment in the State. Ireland's long-term unemployment rate in 2025 as measured by the Labour Force Survey stood at 1.1%. This compares favourably to the EU average of 1.9%, and the Eurozone average of 2.1%*.
To the week ending the 26th of April 2026, there were 1,483 individuals who have been in continuous receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance since December 2019. These figures represent uninterrupted receipt of the payment, without any suspensions on the claim. The tables below detail the ages and geographic distribution of these recipients.
Table 1. Age breakdown
|
Age |
Count of Recipients |
|
Under 25 |
0 |
|
25-29 |
66 |
|
30-39 |
325 |
|
40-49 |
443 |
|
50-59 |
423 |
|
60 + |
226 |
Table 2. County breakdown
|
County |
Number of Recipients |
|
Carlow |
26 |
|
Cavan |
28 |
|
Clare |
33 |
|
Cork |
67 |
|
Donegal |
84 |
|
Dublin |
424 |
|
Galway |
66 |
|
Kerry |
28 |
|
Kildare |
37 |
|
Kilkenny |
26 |
|
Laois |
33 |
|
Leitrim |
16 |
|
Limerick |
56 |
|
Longford |
49 |
|
Louth |
90 |
|
Mayo |
74 |
|
Meath |
32 |
|
Monaghan |
18 |
|
Offaly |
30 |
|
Roscommon |
26 |
|
Sligo |
27 |
|
Tipperary |
39 |
|
Waterford |
61 |
|
Westmeath |
32 |
|
Wexford |
53 |
|
Wicklow |
28 |
* Eurostat data: sdg_08_40. Eurostat data as of 29/04/2026.
568. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32295/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that neither my Department nor any of the bodies under its aegis have any recorded instances of protected disclosure reports that have gone missing or have been compromised.
569. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff that are currently inactively employed by his Department or any organisation with responsibility to his Department. [32315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 242 inactive staff members within the Department of Social Protection comprising employees on various types of leave such as maternity/paternity leave, career break and carer's leave.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
570. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection for assistance in relation to an invalidity pension application for a person (details supplied). [32452/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to ensure people claiming valuable benefits satisfy the criteria established by the Oireachtas for entitlement to that benefit. However, in doing so it is also important that we offer people who may not receive a favourable decision the opportunity to seek a review of that decision and to submit a formal appeal. In that way we work to ensure that entitlement is not denied to people who have a need for support and who satisfy the relevant qualification conditions.
In the case of Invalidity Pension, we offer claimants both a review by the decision area as well as a formal appeal mechanism. In most cases these reviews and appeals can be dealt with expeditiously.
We are also continuously working to improve the service. For example, over the past year or so we have introduced new regulations that extend the period of time during which a person can make an appeal from 21 to 60 days. The new regulations also grant additional rights to seek an oral hearing of the appeal and receive an explanation if an oral hearing is not granted, and in addition specify specific timelines for the exchange and processing of appeal documentation.
In parallel we have introduced a new IT system including the ability to submit appeals online, (an average of 60% of appeals are now received online), and significantly increased staffing in the appeals service.
These changes have resulted in a reduction in the number of appeals on hand from 21,630 appeals on hand at the end of December 2024, to 7,470 appeals on hand at the end of March 2026. Processing times have also improved, from over an overall average of 23 weeks in 2024 to just 9.5 weeks today in the case of Invalidity Pension.
Having said all of that, some cases, particularly those involving the exchange of complicated medical evidence, can take some time to finalise. With respect to the person concerned, the initial claim was disallowed following which an appeal was received with an appeal decision issuing April 2025 confirming the original decision. The person concerned subsequently submitted a section 317 request. The Appeals Officer having considered that review and the new evidence provided did not find that the original decision was incorrect.
The person concerned then sought a further review from the Chief Appeals Officer, a decision on which is still awaited.
I have raised this case with the Chief Appeals Officer, who acts independently in the performance of her duties.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
571. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker's allowance that were refused in 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [32821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker's Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who are unemployed, aged between 18 and 66, habitually resident, and looking for full-time work. It is paid to those who do not have enough PRSI contributions to qualify for Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit or standard Jobseeker’s Benefit. The figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Registered |
Awarded |
Rejected |
|
2026 (Jan-Mar) |
39,625 |
21,951 |
3,724 |
|
2025 |
148,805 |
81,941 |
15,093 |
572. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a payment for a person (details supplied); if there is an update on a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. The family home is not included in the means assessment.
As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that claimants are receiving their full and correct entitlements, ongoing reviews of all means tested payments are carried out. In the case of an increase for qualified adult (IQA) on SPC, the primary claimant is contacted by my Department to notify them that their continuing entitlement to the means tested IQA payment is being examined. A questionnaire is required to be completed to include details of the means of their qualified adult.
A questionnaire issued to the person concerned on 15 August 2025. The completed questionnaire was returned on 26 August 2025. A request issued on 24 March 2026 requesting further information. While most of the information was provided, some remains outstanding. A reminder issued on 28 April 2026. Once this information is received, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified. In the meantime, the qualified adult increase remains in payment at the rate previously awarded.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
573. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the process for primary and secondary school teachers with temporary/substitute contracts to apply for jobseeker's benefit during the holiday periods where they do not receive payment from the Department of Education and Youth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducational Sector Workers (ESWs) including primary and secondary school teachers with temporary/substitute contracts who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. They must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive a payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
The quickest and easiest way to apply for a jobseeker’s payment is online through MyWelfare using a verified MyGovID account. A person can set up a verified MyGovID account once they have a Public Services Card, a verified mobile phone number and an email address.
My department has recently introduced improvements to the application process for people who are temporarily laid off and whose employment is based around the school or academic year. These enhancements include a new online application process for ESWs to submit their jobseeker's claim through MyWelfare.ie.
ESWs can now self-declare the number of holiday days they will receive from their employer for the school break, directly as part of their online jobseeker’s application, without the need to have forms completed by their employer. The removal of the employer form from the process allows for decisions to be made in a more efficient and timely manner.
If a person is unsure of the number of holidays they will receive, they can ask their employer to complete the new Holiday Entitlement Helpsheet. This new form assists both the person and their employer to work out the number of holiday days the person will receive, and there is no need to submit this form with Jobseeker’s Benefit applications.
Alternatively, if a person does not wish to apply for a jobseeker’s payment online they can complete the new ESW 1 application form. This form has also been improved to ensure claims can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
It should be noted that a claim for a jobseeker's payment should only be made on the first date that a person becomes unemployed. In addition, an application for jobseeker's should be made at each break and a person should not apply for multiple breaks at the same time.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
574. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection to establish a system in which education sector workers who claim jobseeker's payment during the summer months, Christmas holidays, Easter holidays and mid-term breaks could apply for this benefit weeks in advance of said holidays, to facilitate their applications being processed prior to the break in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra575. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection if a process will be considered where seasonal workers, including teachers with temporary contracts, can apply for jobseeker's benefit in advance of the summer, allowing their payment decision to be paid before their contract ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
Educational Sector Workers (ESWs), including teachers with temporary contracts on school breaks and seasonal workers, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment. They must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment, including being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Applications for a jobseeker’s payment cannot be made in advance of a person finishing employment. This also applies to teachers with temporary contracts on school breaks and seasonal workers. Applications should only be made by the person on the first day of their unemployment.
My department has recently introduced improvements to the application process for people who are temporarily laid off and whose employment is based around the school or academic year. These enhancements include a new online application process for ESWs to submit their jobseeker's claim through MyWelfare.ie.
ESWs can now self-declare the number of holiday days they will receive from their employer for the school break, directly as part of their online jobseeker’s application, without the need to have forms completed by their employer. The removal of the employer form from the process allows for decisions to be made in a more efficient and timely manner.
Alternatively, if a person does not wish to apply for a jobseeker’s payment online they can complete the new ESW 1 application form. This form has also been improved to ensure claims can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
576. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance to all those in receipt of the carer's allowance payment, where this is the only qualifying criteria to receive the fuel allowance. [32968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
It is not possible for the Department to provide an accurate projection of the cost of this measure outlined by the Deputy. Fuel Allowance is a household-based payment, and a carer will very often live with and care for a person who are already in receipt of Fuel Allowance in their own right. The Department does not hold data on this cohort.
As part of Budget 2025 it was announced that from January 2025 Carers Allowance would be considered a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance purposes. However, to qualify for the payment those in receipt of Carers Allowance must satisfy all relevant qualifying conditions.
A change in the qualifying criteria such as allowing all those in receipt of Carers Allowance to automatically qualify for the Fuel Allowance payment, would have to be considered in the context of budgetary negotiations. However, any such measure would change the targeted nature of the scheme.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
