Fuel allowance benefiting 17,300 households across Mayo

The expanded Fuel Allowance scheme has ensured even more households in Mayo now benefit from fuel support, Minister Alan Dillon has said.

Minister Dillon said that with the start of Fuel Allowance season today (Monday), eligible households in Mayo will get help with their heating costs during the winter months. “It’s great to see that 17,300 households in Mayo are now benefitting from Fuel Allowance, thanks to the expansion of the scheme this year.

“The Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months and now a quarter of all homes across the country will be eligible for the scheme. This is an essential support for so many households in the winter months and with energy prices a concern for many, it’s important that people check their eligibility for the scheme.”

The allowance will be paid to over 465,000 households across the State for 28 weeks. The payment is made at the weekly rate of €38 or two instalment payments of €532 each.

Following an expansion earlier this year, families in receipt of the Working Family Payment will now automatically qualify. Recipients can choose to receive the payment weekly or in two lump sums, and do not need to reapply each year if their circumstances and underlying payment remain unchanged.

Minister Dillon added: “The scheme has been expanded for this season to ensure even more households qualify and can benefit.

“If you are aged 66 or over, and live alone, or if you are under 66, and receive a qualifying social welfare payment, you may be eligible. I encourage anyone who thinks that they might qualify to check their eligibility and submit an application.”