Households in Meath urged to check eligibility for fuel allowance

Households in Meath are being urged to check if they are eligible for the fuel allowance.

The first fuel allowance payments will be made this week, with over 400,000 households expected to receive the allowance throughout the winter months.

The means-tested payment is intended to help with the cost of heating homes during the colder months of the year.

Those aged 70 and older or those who are receiving long-term social welfare payments and satisfy a means test are eligible for the allowance.

The total payment over 28 weeks amounts to €924, with recipients receiving €33 per week or two lump sums of €462.

It can be paid weekly from the end of September to April or the allowance can be paid in two instalments if preferred.

The Fuel Allowance will play a vital role for families across Meath to help with their heating costs this winter acccording to Fine Gael General Election Candidate Sharon Tolan who said:

“The Fuel Allowance is worth €924 for households in Meath were eligible, a very welcome contribution towards heating costs for the winter months.

“I was delighted that my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys broadened the eligibility of the scheme resulting in more families in Meath benefitting from the payment.

“Thanks to these changes, there are now 400,000 households across the country in receipt, and they can choose between a weekly payment of €33 or two payments of €462. In Budget 2023, Fine Gael also introduced a new over 70s means test for Fuel Allowance. Under this, a single person can have a means of €512 per week and a couple can have means of €1024 per week and still qualify for Fuel Allowance.

“Fine Gael is committed to putting money back into the pockets of families in Meath, and this is just one of many ways the government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting those who are most in need.

“This commitment will be continued and reflected in Budget 2025.

“Those in receipt do not need to reapply and will continue to get the payment, and I encourage anyone in Meath who feels they may be entitled to go to welfare.ie and check their eligibility,” Cllr Sharon Tolan concluded.