Latest news with #FuelAllowance
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major social welfare alert for thousands as payments set to land in accounts NEXT WEEK in date switch-up
THOUSANDS of people are set to be affected by a major change to the social welfare payment schedule next week. The August 1 Social welfare payments are set to be paid EARLIER than scheduled Credit: Getty Images The next bank holiday falls on Monday, August 4. It means that any Those who claim Due to the date change, people will see their payments hitting their READ MORE ON CASH BOOST This is due to all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices being closed on the bank holiday, but they will reopen on the following day, Tuesday, August 5. Those who are paid through their bank accounts do not need to do anything, as it will be transferred to your bank account automatically. However, those who cannot collect their Alternatively, if you cannot collect your payment from the Most read in Money A form for appointing a temporary Agent can be found at your local post office. Child Benefit payments will be available in the Post Office for 108 days, while the State pension will be available for 90 days, meaning they don't need to collect it immediately and can do so within the timeframe. Jack Chambers discusses his family budget & criticism not enough done for kids on surgery wait lists The next bank holiday will occur on October 27 for the October Bank Holiday weekend, meaning that it will likely be the next time when payments will be paid a few days earlier than scheduled. Only public holidays left for this year are FUEL ALLOWANCE ALLOWANCE Meanwhile, thousands of The Fuel Allowance Last year, the Now the Currently, the weekly Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. To qualify for the payment, you must be over 66, live alone, and satisfy a means test. If you are under 66, you'll need to be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as a pension, to apply. Those living with dependent People on the Carer's Allowance are eligible as well, provided they meet all other criteria. Only one person per household can receive the allowance, and they must be residing in Ireland at the time of application.
The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major boost for thousands of Irish as €33 weekly payment or €462 double lump sum set for return in just weeks
THOUSANDS of Irish households will get an extra €33 a week in their pocket in just weeks as a vital payment returns. The Fuel Allowance Advertisement 2 400,000 households received the allowance last year, with that number set to increase following eligibility reductions made in budget 2025 Credit: Getty Images - Getty Last year, the Now the Currently, the weekly Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. To qualify for the payment, you must be over 66, live alone, and satisfy a means test. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS If you are under 66, you'll need to be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as a pension, to apply. Those living with dependent People on the Carer's Allowance are eligible as well, provided they meet all other criteria. Only one person per household can receive the allowance, and they must be residing in Ireland at the time of application. Advertisement Most read in Money In 2024, 400,000 households received the allowance. This year, that number is expected to rise following a four-year reduction in the eligibility age under Budget 2025. The news comes following debates in the Dail this week. Taoiseach Micheal Martin recently ruled out a repeat of 2025's €2.6 billion cost-of-living package. Advertisement BUDGET CONCERNS Similarly, government leaders have agreed to scrap one-off payments such as energy credits and double Child Benefit boosts. But what does this mean for those hardest hit by the Susanne Rogers of Social Justice Ireland says social welfare rates must increase to ensure vulnerable people are not left behind. She said previous cost-of-living supports offered short-term relief for low-income households, almost 650,000 people remain below the poverty line. Advertisement And without any of those supports, that number would likely be closer to 750,000. 2 Those over 66 do not need to sit a means test to receive the €924 payment Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Another 19,000 Irish families could qualify for extra €924 social welfare cash under new rule change – are you eligible?
A €924 social welfare payment could be available to thousands of Irish families in a few months as the government considers expanding eligibility rules of the payment in the next budget. The Department of Social Protection hinted that As outlined in the Programme for Government earlier this year, Department officials were asked to review and research the extension of eligibility for the The review includes an analysis of the impact that a "potential extension of eligibility" would have on lone parent households. Fuel Allowance, which is designed to help people with the cost of heating their home in the winter months, is paid out at a rate of €33 weekly or in two lump sums of €462 each in September and January. And Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary last week confirmed he will "carefully consider" the new review into the extension of the payment. READ MORE IN MONEY Thousands more people qualified for the scheme this year after the government reduced the eligibility age by four years in the budget. "The updating of the report is still ongoing and when finished, I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain as part of the budget planning process. "Any decisions to expand for the Fuel Allowance to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Currently, the weekly €33 Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. Little known social welfare benefits thousands are entitled to And some 19,641 Working Family Payment claims were awarded to Irish parents last year, it has been confirmed. New rules introduced in Budget 2025 saw the payment extended to those aged 66 and over. The means test disregard was previously for over 70s. Now, people aged under 66 will have to meet certain eligibility requirements for the payment. This includes living alone or living with specific people or getting a qualifying means payment. People on the Carer's Allowance were also deemed eligible for the Fuel Allowance boost, providing they meet the criteria. And the Programme for Government has confirmed eligibility may be extended those in receipt of the Working Family Payment in Budget 2026. WORKING FAMILY PAYMENT RULES PARENTS can get a weekly tax-free WFP payment if they are an employee and: Work 38 or more hours per fortnight. You can combine your weekly hours with your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's hours to meet this condition. You cannot use time spent in self-employment or on Community Employment. Your job is likely to last at least three months You have at least one child, aged under 18, who normally lives with you You earn less than the WFP income limit set for your family size Those eligible must pay tax and Under EU regulations, you may be able to claim WFP if your children live abroad and depend on you. WFP is paid for one year, 52 weeks, as long as you meet the conditions. Minister Calleary said those who qualify for WFP must be working a minimum of "eight hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them". People cannot avail of the scheme if they are With the WFP payment, you get 60 per cent of the difference between your average weekly family income and the WFP income limit for your family size. Over 24,000 people have applied for the social welfare payment so far this year, with 19,641 claims being rewarded. The average time for new claims to be rewarded this year is 10 weeks, according to Calleary. 1 The boost is under consideration Credit: Getty Images - Getty
