Over 352,000 households to receive weekly fuel allowance of €24.50
Over 352,000 households are to receive the winter Fuel Allowance for the 2020/2021 season, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced.
The Fuel Allowance, which is a means-assessed payment, will be paid for 28 weeks.
It is paid at a weekly rate of €24.50 or, if the recipient prefers, by way of two lump sum payments of €343 each. One Fuel Allowance is paid per household.
The estimated expenditure for this non-statutory scheme is €261.35 million with over 352,000 households expected to benefit from the Fuel Allowance payment this season.
Minister Humphreys commented:
“The Fuel Allowance will be an added support for many households throughout the State as we approach our winter season. It is a financial aid for people living in low-income households to help towards the cost of heating oil, electricity, gas or solid fuel.
“As an alternative to a weekly payment, householders also have the option of receiving their Fuel Allowance in two lump sum payments, the value of each being €343. Householders who have already chosen this option will receive their first lump sum along with their primary social welfare payment on their appropriate payment day starting this week. The second lump sum payment will issue during the second week of January 2021.”
The Fuel Allowance scheme provides a support for householders on long-term social welfare payments to cover additional heating expenses over the winter months. Those who qualified for the Fuel Allowance payment last year will automatically receive the payment again this year, if they continue to fulfil the eligibility requirements. They do not need to re-apply.
Customers who have not received the payment previously and who wish to apply for the Fuel Allowance should complete an application form which is available to download here or from their local Post Office. Completed forms should be returned to their local Intreo Centre or the office which manages their weekly welfare payment.