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Press release

Minister Humphreys launches 2024/25 Fuel Allowance Season

  • Fuel Allowance to be paid to over 400,000 households across the State from this week

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the start of the Fuel Allowance Scheme for the 2024/25 Season.

Fuel Allowance, which is a means-assessed payment, will be paid for 28 weeks to over 400,000 households across the State.

The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33 or if preferred, by way of two payments of €462 each.

A single person over 70 can have means of €512 per week, while a couple can have means of €1,024 per week. In addition, the amount of savings disregarded in the Over 70s means test has been increased from €20,000 to €50,000.

In the case of a couple where one person is under 70 and one person is over 70, they will be assessed under the Over 70s means test criteria.

The weekly means threshold for those aged under 70 was as part of Budget 2023 increased by €80 per week, from €120 to €200 above the weekly rate of State Pension Contributory.

Announcing the launch of the Fuel Season, Minister Humphreys said:

“The Fuel Allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months.

“Payments will commence this week to over 400,000 households across the State. Over the 28 week period, Fuel Allowance is worth €924 for households who receive it.

“I was delighted in Budget 2023 to broaden the eligibility of the scheme so that even more older people can qualify for the payment.

“I also introduced a new Over 70s means test for Fuel Allowance. Under this, a single person can have means of €512 per week and a couple can have means of €1,024 per week and still qualify for Fuel Allowance.

“We have also increased the weekly means threshold for those aged under 70 by €80 per week. These changes represent the largest ever expansion of the Scheme and I would encourage people to check their eligibility for the payment.”

Note to Editors:

Fuel Allowance

  • The Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare recipients with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs.
  • The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33 or if preferred, by way of two instalment payments; and is paid over the winter season (28 weeks from late September to April in the 2024/25 fuel allowance season).
  • You can qualify for Fuel Allowance if you are aged 70 or over or getting certain long-term social welfare payments. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
  • You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year if your circumstances have not changed and you continue to get the same social welfare payment.
  • The quickest and easiest way to apply for Fuel Allowance is online via MYWelfare.ie

Full information on the Fuel Allowance is available on the Department’s website at Item was unpublished or removed

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