Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for the implementation of the expansion of the fuel allowance scheme for persons over 70 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50616/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. Only one allowance is paid per household.

In Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme. As part of this, from January 2023, a new means test will be introduced for Over 70s. Under the new means test, a single person over 70 can have income of €500 per week and a couple can have income of €1,000 per week and still qualify for Fuel Allowance. This was a priority for me as part of Budget 2023 and is in recognition of the fact that older people are more vulnerable to the cold.

Also, from January 2023, the standard means test for persons under 70 will be increased by €80 from €120 to €200 over the maximum State Pension Contributory. In addition, the half-rate Carer's Allowance payment and Disablement Benefit will be disregarded when assessing means for Fuel Allowance purposes.

It is estimated these measures combined will bring an additional 81,000 households into the Fuel Allowance Scheme from January. My Department is already working on developing the IT systems and operational requirements to give effect to these changes.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.