Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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127. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will extend the new income limits for over-70s fuel allowance to couples whose combined weekly income is under €1,000, regardless of whether both are in receipt of a qualifying payment (details supplied). [59631/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.

In Budget 2023, I secured funding for the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme. It is estimated that this expansion could bring up to 81,000 additional households into the scheme.The changes announced take effect from the first week in January.

For applicants aged 70 and over, there is a new means test limit of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. I can confirm that from January, an over-70 applicant or their spouse (irrespective of whether they are over or under 70) no longer needs to be in receipt of a qualifying payment. Existing household composition rules continue to apply.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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128. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a limit per household for the payment of the respite care grant bonuses; and if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a payment. [59641/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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While there is no limit per household on the payment of the Cost-of-Living lump sum payment, the payment is a single lump sum paid to a carer irrespective of the number of persons being cared for. In addition, recipients who are in receipt of one or more of the following schemes will qualify for only one €500 Cost-of-Living payment - Blind Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Disability Allowance, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Invalidity Pension.

The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the same caring conditions as Carer's Allowance (CA). The person concerned received the 2022 CSG on 2nd June. If the person concerned wishes to be considered for the €500 Cost of Living Payment introduced as part of Budget 2023, they should complete a declaration form which has issued to them on 29th of November, 2022.

On receipt of a fully completed declaration form, the entitlement of the person concerned to the cost-of-living payment of €500 will be determined at the earliest possible date.

I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.