Older people and people with disabilities will receive assistance from the Government from this week to help them meet the cost of their fuel bills during the winter months, according to Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary.
More than €400 million will be spent by the Government this winter supporting those most in need people in our communities with their fuel bills. The fuel allowance will start to be paid this week to more than 334,000 long-term social welfare recipients across the country.
Among the people who qualify for the payment are State pensioners, widows, and people with disabilities, all of whom can be vulnerable to the effects of harsh winter weather.
The Government extended the payment by two weeks this year to 32 weeks, and the rate was also increased by €2 to €20 per week. Many people will also benefit from the electricity allowance or the payment towards gas usage costs.
“Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the fuel allowance or one of the other fuel assist payments can contact my office in Ballina for more details or the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The relevant form is called a NFS 1 and it is available on line at www.welfare.ie and from all local post offices,” Minister Calleary explained.
