Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1249. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the income limits for the household benefits package and the fuel allowance automatically increase in line with increases in the State pension (contributory) only; if they also increase in line with the State pension (non-contributory) or other primary social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25088/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Free Fuel allowance is based upon a means-test. Household Benefits may be too, depending on a person’s circumstances. In both cases, the threshold is the rate of the State pension (contributory) plus €100. Currently this amounts to €343.30.

As the income limit for the means test is based on the rate of the State pension (contributory), any Budgetary increases in the rates of payment automatically increases the income limits.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.