The Government is expected to increase the weekly fuel allowance rate and expand the eligibility criteria in this month's budget, which will see thousands more hard-pressed households avail of the payment. Senior Government sources have signalled that the current weekly fuel allowance rate of €33 will increase by €4-€5, but have yet to decide if the rise will come into effect before Christmas. Recipients will also receive a €100 lump sum in a one-off payment before Christmas to help with the cost-of-living crisis. In Budget 2022, the Government increased the weekly means threshold for the fuel allowance scheme by €20. The fuel allowance is an effective way of targeting households that are low-income, but also have substantial energy bills relative to their income.

Source: Irish Examiner September 20, 2022 07:54 UTC