Fuel Allowance Measures Announced in Budget 2027 Will Ensure Fairer Payments This Winter

I welcome changes to the means test limits for single people in receipt of fuel allowance as announced in this week's Budget following extensive work and engagement with Minister Dara Calleary to close gaps in the system in recent months.

I have been in regular contact with the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, in recent months on the issue of fuel allowance thresholds for single individuals.

I often hear of this persistent issue in my area whereby retired individuals who may have lost their spouse and wish to remain in their own home no longer have a dual income to pay their heating bills but are not assessed in this way. They are on a reduced income, but have the same sized house to heat, with heating expenses accounting for large portions of their overall income.

The Budget commits to changing the means test limit for the fuel allowance for single people with an increase from €534 to €641 per week for people aged over 66, making it fairer for older people living alone. This €5 increase per week will bring it to €43 per week or over €1,200 in 2027.

This will enable some much-needed breathing space for single pensioners. Many have been raising this issue with me over the past year, as they are especially feeling the impact of increased fuel costs. I commend Minister Calleary for working on this issue and ensuring it was included in the Budget.