Major boost for thousands of Irish as €33 weekly payment or €462 double lump sum set for return in just weeks
The Fuel Allowance
Advertisement
2
400,000 households received the allowance last year, with that number set to increase following eligibility reductions made in budget 2025
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Last year, the
Now the
Currently, the weekly Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households.
To qualify for the payment, you must be over 66, live alone, and satisfy a means test.
Advertisement
READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS
If you are under 66, you'll need to be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as a pension, to apply.
Those living with dependent
People on the Carer's Allowance are eligible as well, provided they meet all other criteria.
Only one person per household can receive the allowance, and they must be residing in Ireland at the time of application.
Advertisement
Most read in Money
In 2024, 400,000 households received the allowance.
This year, that number is expected to rise following a four-year reduction in the eligibility age under Budget 2025.
The news comes following debates in the Dail this week.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin recently ruled out a repeat of 2025's €2.6 billion cost-of-living package.
Advertisement
BUDGET CONCERNS
Similarly, government leaders have agreed to scrap one-off payments such as energy credits and double Child Benefit boosts.
But what does this mean for those hardest hit by the
Susanne Rogers of Social Justice Ireland says social welfare rates must increase to ensure vulnerable people are not left behind.
She said previous cost-of-living supports offered short-term relief for low-income households, almost 650,000 people remain below the poverty line.
Advertisement
And without any of those supports, that number would likely be closer to 750,000.
2
Those over 66 do not need to sit a means test to receive the €924 payment
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
27 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
‘Vancouver has been good to us' – Irish expats share insights into their new lives in Canada
There are estimated to be over 10,000 Irish people living in the coastal city in British Columbia 'Vancouver has been good to us,' says Laura Donnellan (39). 'Through our businesses, we're immersed in Irish culture and make sure the boys always know – and feel proud of – their heritage.'
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Govt to discuss checks on legal challenges to planning decisions
Businesses and individuals bringing legal challenges to planning decisions will face additional restrictions under changes being discussed at Cabinet today. Minister for Housing James Browne is reforming the area of judicial reviews in Irish planning amid Government frustration at delays in securing permission for large housing developments. It is understood that the "leave to apply" stage of the judicial review will be removed as it is believed this is not functioning properly as a screening measure for valid cases. The aim of the change is to save time and costs. In addition, all applicants must provide evidence of sufficient grounds and sufficient interest. The protected status of environmental NGOs to take judicial review proceedings is maintained. Greater limits will also be put on the number of amended grounds applicants may add to their judicial reviews. The new rules will only apply to decisions made under the Planning and Development Act of 2024. The section of the Act relating to judicial reviews will come into force on 1 August 2025. Separately, Mr Browne will bring a memo to Cabinet providing for nearly €74m funding for rural community water schemes. This will fund 291 projects nationwide, covering 63,000 households. The Cabinet will also hear that the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will defer the introduction of health warnings on alcohol labels for two years. This is due to concerns raised about the impact of the move in the current global trading environment. The labeling requirement was due to come in next year but it is expected to be deferred until 2028. Meanwhile, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley will bring a memo to Cabinet to bring the Tuam intervention office under the indemnity of State Claims Agency. This will allow the State Claims Agency to handle any potential claims in relation to the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will bring an action plan on market diversification for Irish exporters threatened by tariffs.
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Breaking €40bn for housing under new infrastructure spending plan
The Government is due to announce the details of a flagship plan to build infrastructure over the next five years, with around €40 billion being allocated towards housing. The revised National Development Plan will contain €100bn funding for housing, energy, water and transport projects from 2026 to 2030. Around €30bn of that figure is said to be new funding, some of that coming from the Apple tax money and the sale of AIB shares. Housing delivery is the centrepiece of the plan, with increased funding to build homes and accompanying electricity and water connections. The Cabinet will meet this morning to agree this framework for infrastructure investment. With Departments set to be allocated funding for capital projects, ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann are also set to benefit. There will be a major increase in defence spending, with a focus on radar, sonar and force protection for Irish troops. Dublin's Metrolink will also receive funding. Separately, the publication of the Government's Summer Economic Statement will outline how much money will be set aside in the Budget for tax cuts. It comes as Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has been increasingly cautious about the public finances due to the threat of escalating tariffs from the US. The statement will set out how much tax will be collected and how much will be allocated to capital and current spending. The Department of Finance said it is focused on maintaining the stability of the public finances amid increasing uncertainty. It said the Government will continue to put money into the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, and the Future Ireland Fund. It said: "As a small open economy, we are vulnerable to external developments. This is why it is crucial that we have the resources available to maintain capital investment even in the event of an economic shock." Much attention today will be on the scope for tax cuts next year. A lot of that could be absorbed by a VAT reduction for hospitality, which the Coalition committed to introduce in its Programme for Government. Mr Donohoe has also ruled out one-off cost-of-living measures, a step which has drawn criticism from the Opposition. The Department of Finance said: "We are delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to increase capital investment in key areas, improving people's quality of life, boosting competitiveness and helping to attract and retain investment. "At the same time, we will continue to use the resources available to us to invest record levels of public money across the public service, improve healthcare, education and social protection." Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will outline expenditure plans for the coming year. He will say the Government is "moving away from the one-off measures of the past".
