18/08/2017

People Urged To Submit Winter Fuel Allowance Applications Before Deadline

Older people have been urged to ensure their applications for the Winter Fuel Allowance are returned to the Department of Social Protection ahead of the 15 September deadline.

Making the call, Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary also reminded people that they also now have the option of applying for a lump sum instead of the regular weekly payment.

Deputy Calleary said: "As part of changes to the scheme, following lobbying by a variety of older people's organisations, the Department of Social Protection has agreed to the option of paying the Winter Fuel Allowance in two lump sums – €292.50 in October and the remaining €292.50 in January – or to continue to receive the weekly payments of €22.50.

"This is a very positive development as it will allow people to buy larger quantities of fuel and avail of the discounts associated with bulk buying. Equally, it will allow people with oil heating to fill their tanks ahead of the winter cold spell, without having to worrying about paying such a large bill.

"We need to remember that pensioners have fixed incomes and it can be very difficult to pull together two or three hundred euros to pay for a delivery of oil.

"I am calling on people to ensure that if they want to receive the lump sum payments they ensure that they have their applications filled out and sent to the Department of Social Protection by the 15thSeptember so that their payments can be logged and paid on time."

(MH/LM)

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