Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a person receiving an invalidity pension is entitled to apply for a free home energy upgrade; and if not, the reason for same. [21928/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620.Free upgrades available under the Warmer Homes scheme are available to households who are in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments such as:- Fuel Allowance;

- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Working Family Payment; One-Parent Family Payment;

- Disability Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);

- Domiciliary Care Allowance; Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.

Further information can be found on SEAIs website www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes

I understand that the Invalidity Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant means test.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme were selected as they represented my Department’s view on those areas where the limited resources available to the scheme could have the greatest impact. They are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department .