FINE Gael Minister, Patrick O’Donovan has confirmed the fuel allowance season is to be extended by four weeks for eligible customers.
The Limerick County TD has said the extension is in response to the COVID-19 emergency and says his government colleagues have “committed to extending the fuel allowance season by four weeks” which will see the current season run to Friday, May 8 from April 10.
The Minister of State said, “At a time where we wish people to stay at home to stay safe, it makes perfect sense to extend the Fuel Season for existing eligible customers on a once-off basis, in order to ensure the most vulnerable groups are provided with additional targeted financial supports in a timely and efficient manner.”
O’Donovan noted that the extension will “ensure those in receipt of this payment have one less thing to worry about” and will allow people to stay “safe and warm” at home for the coming period.
The Fuel Allowance payment is made to over 370,000 of the most disadvantaged households in the country including pensioners and those with disabilities, who are most at risk of fuel poverty.
The current fuel allowance season is paid at a rate of €24.50 per week for 28 weeks, with the current season due to finish on April 10, and will now be extended to Friday, May 8.
