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Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Ceisteanna (112)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

112. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of fuel allowance aged 66 or over at the end of each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 and at the latest date available in 2026, by age band 66 to 69, 70 to 79 and 80 and over, in tabular form; the number of applications from persons aged 66 or over refused on means in each of those years; and the number of such refusals in which assessable means exceeded the limit by €50 a week or less. [69197/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment designed to assist eligible households with the cost of home heating during the winter season.  The number of Fuel Allowance recipients aged 66 years and over at the end of each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 by age band, is set out in the table below.  Fuel Allowance payments will begin issuing this week, with 465,000 households expected to benefit.  Some 233,000 Fuel Allowance payments are expected to be made to persons aged 66 or older. 

Table 1: Fuel Allowance recipients aged 66 years and over

Age Band

2023

2024

2025

66-69

30,867

31,665

37,259

70-79

110,232

114,461

118,350

80+

91,348

85,605

79,719

The number of Fuel Allowance applications refused in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 is set out in the table below.  Information for 2026 is not currently available.  The Department is unable to provide a breakdown of refusals by age or by reason for refusal.

Table 2: Fuel Allowance applications refused

Year

Refused Applications

2023

11,486

2024

11,070

2025

12,099

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