The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty and the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, announced that the Government would be extending the Fuel Allowance season by four weeks – from Friday 10th April to Friday 8th May – in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
Speaking today, Minister Doherty said:“The COVID-19 emergency presents a once in a century challenge to our society and our public services and we are determined that our department does everything we can to meet emerging needs and provide comfort to as many as possible. At a time where we wish people to stay at home to stay safe, it makes perfect sense to extend the Fuel Season for existing eligible customers on a once-off basis by four weeks, to 8th May 2020, in order to ensure the most vulnerable groups are provided with additional targeted financial supports in a timely and efficient manner.”
The Fuel Allowance payment is made to over 370,000 of the most disadvantaged households in the country including pensioners and those with disabilities, who are most at risk of fuel poverty. As a result of changes we have made over the past few years, it is currently paid at a rate of €24.50 per week for 28 weeks. The current 28 week season is due to finish on 10th April. The payment is made as an allowance paid alongside the customer’s primary welfare payment.
