Recipients of the fuel allowance will receive a once-off bonus payment of €125 this week, starting from today.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that 372,000 households will receive the extra payment on top of their regular fuel allowance.
The bonus payment is part of a €505 million package meant to tackle rising energy costs, which have been greatly exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Announcing the payment, Minister Humphreys said that she is “acutely conscious” that families are concerned about the rising cost of living.
“We have all felt it in recent months – through our bills, at the petrol station and in the supermarket.”
“And unfortunately, the situation is not being helped by the horrific war unfolding in Ukraine.”
The Minister said that other measures in the €505m package include a reduction in people’s energy bills of €200, which will come into effect this month.
“Government also responded last week by cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel, which has become the source of considerable concern for motorists in recent months.”
The Fuel Allowance, which is a means-tested payment, is paid to 372,000 pensioners, widows, widowers, jobseekers, lone-parents and people with disabilities.
It is meant to assist financially vulnerable households with their winter heating costs.
The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season.
