Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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368. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the autumn cost-of-living double payment will be considered as means for social welfare payments, such as those payments which are subject to income thresholds and where a change in income may affect a person's eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56144/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion in one-off measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period. 

These measures include the following lump sum payments:

- €400 Fuel Allowance lump sum;

- November double Child Benefit payment;

- €500 Working Family Payment;

- €200 Living Alone Allowance lump sum;

- €500 Disability Support Grant;

- €500 Carer's Support Grant.

In addition, an Autumn Cost of Living Payment was paid last month, and a Christmas Bonus will be paid in December. 

These cost of living once-off payments will not be assessed as means for Social Protection purposes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.