Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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520. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who was unaware of their entitlement to household benefits when over the age of 70 years can claim retrospection to the point at which they turned 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50264/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Household Benefits package comprises of the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to some people under the age of 66, who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.

The majority of those who qualify for the Household Benefits package do so as a result of being awarded a primary qualifying payment. When a primary qualifying payment is awarded to a customer, the award letter informs them of their possible entitlement to the Household Benefits package. For those who may qualify for the Household Benefits package without being in receipt of a qualifying payment, information is widely available; for example, the gov.ie website and through the network of the Departments offices and the Citizens Information Services.

In relation to backdating of Household Benefits package applications, payments may be backdated for up to 6 months where an entitlement existed, and further where there are extenuating circumstances. It is open to customers to make an application for backdating of their entitlement. Each case will be considered individually. However, lack of knowledge in and of itself is not a circumstance where backdating beyond 6 months can be considered.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.