400,000 households to start receiving fuel allowances payments from today

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said: 'The fuel allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months'. Picture: Karlis Dzjamko

Over 400,000 households are due to begin receiving their fuel allowance payments from today.

The payment is paid across 28 weeks to 404,000 households across the country, with the option for a weekly €33 payment or two lump sums worth €462 each.

“The fuel allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months,” Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said.

“As a result of changes that I introduced in last year’s budget, more households will receive the support this year than ever before.” 

In last year’s budget, eligibility for the payment was widened, with a separate means test for over 70s being introduced. Under this change, single people can have an income of up to have an income of up to €500 per week, while couples can earn up to €1,000.

For under 70s, people must first be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment to be eligible for the fuel allowance. 

Additionally, they must then pass the overall means test, which for single people is set at less than €465.30 a week. For couples, income must be less than €642 where the qualified adult is under 66, or €703.10 if over 66.