The fuel allowance, which was due to end on April 10, has now been extended to May 8 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The €24.50 per week means-tested allowance is typically available from October to April each year. Around 370,000 households across the State receive the payment. Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty said it was vital that "older and more vulnerable groups are as comfortable as possible" during the current crisis, as everyone is being asked to stay at home.
Earlier this week, Fianna Fáil Galway City East councillor, Alan Cheevers, had called on the Government to extend the fuel allowance for the duration of the Covid 19 pandemic.
"It is important that elderly members of our community are comfortable in their homes as they are being asked to stay there for at least the next two weeks," he said. "Older people are vulnerable in terms of the pandemic. Undoubtedly many will use more fuel during this time and will have high fuel bills. They shouldn’t have to choose between turning on the heat or buying food during this crisis."
