Thousands of Irish citizens will soon receive a lump sum of €462 deposited directly into their bank accounts. The 2023–2024 fuel allowance season is set to commence on Monday, September 25, benefiting approximately 450,000 households, as confirmed by the government.
This allowance provides recipients with €33 per week starting from September 25 and continuing until April 5 of the following year, aimed at assisting with the expenses associated with heating homes during the colder months. However, individuals eligible for this crucial social welfare payment have the option to receive the funds in two separate lump-sum payments: one on September 25 and the other in January, each amounting to €462.
It’s important to note that this option applies exclusively to recipients of specific social welfare payments, as verified by the Department of Social Protection. Those who are 70 years of age or older and meet the means test criteria or are receiving longer-term social welfare payments are eligible for the fuel allowance.
Previously, the fuel allowance was disbursed to 370,000 households with qualifying social welfare benefits. However, a significant change last year expanded eligibility to an additional 80,000 households. Notably, individuals over the age of 70 with a means-tested income of €500 per week for singles or €1,000 per week for couples became eligible for this financial support. Furthermore, individuals in this age group no longer required a qualifying social welfare payment to be eligible for the allowance.
Prospective recipients are advised to submit their applications for the fuel allowance before the September late season commencement, as applications made after this start date will not result in retroactive payments.
Individuals who have previously received the fuel allowance are not required to reapply annually, provided their circumstances remain unchanged and they remain on the same social welfare payment. However, it is crucial to promptly inform the Department of Social Protection if there are any changes in circumstances to ensure continued eligibility for the fuel allowance.
To apply for the allowance, individuals can utilise the online platform at mywelfare.ie. It is worth noting that this online service is unavailable for those receiving long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Transitional Payments, Farm Assist, or One-Parent Family Payment. Individuals in these categories can only apply through their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.
Campaigners for senior citizens, such as ALONE, have urgently called on the government to substantially increase the weekly fuel allowance payment in the upcoming October 2024 budget. They argue that this boost is vital, as many older individuals in Ireland are facing financial hardship. ALONE has specifically proposed an increase of €35, which would raise the weekly allowance to a new total of €68, in order to better align with the rising cost of living.
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