Government Expands Fuel Allowance: Some People Over 66 May Qualify Even Without Social Welfare

Monday, 22 September 2025 08:47

By Martin Osborne

The Social Protection Minister has expanded the scheme this year to allow more households to qualify.

The Fuel Allowance is to be paid to 410,000 households across the State from today, including over 14,000 households in Kildare.

It's a means-assessed payment which will be paid for 28 weeks to help people meet rising energy costs.

The Social Protection Minister has expanded the scheme this year to allow more households to qualify.

Minister Dara Calleary said those aged over 66 do not necessarily have to be on a social welfare payment to qualify.

The payment is made at the weekly rate of 33 euro or if preferred, through two instalments of 462 euro each.

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