Local Minister Denis Naughten is encouraging older people to apply for the Fuel Allowance, as the new fuel allowance season gets underway in advance of the winter.
“The Fuel Allowance scheme is designed to assist pensioners and other very low income households to meet the cost of their heating needs during the winter season,” explained Minister Naughten. “I would encourage older people and those in receipt of social welfare in to apply for the allowance as soon as possible.
“The Allowance is means tested and is paid to the customer with their social welfare payment at a rate of €22.50 per week.
“People on an employment scheme or in receipt of a Back to Education Allowance would also be entitled to the Fuel Allowance if they continue to satisfy the conditions – including the means test.”
In order to qualify for the Fuel Allowance the claimant:
1. Must be resident in the State and in receipt of certain qualifying payments.
2. Must live alone or only with:
– a qualified spouse/ civil partner / cohabitant or qualified child(ren);
– a person in receipt of a qualifying payment who would be entitled to the allowance in their own right;
– a person who is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit in respect of providing full time -care and attention to the Fuel Allowance applicant or their qualified spouse / civil partner / cohabitant or qualified child(ren);
– a person receiving short term Jobseeker’s Allowance or the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (less than 391 days).
To apply for the Fuel Allowance fill in a form in your local Post Office, or click here and follow the instructions.