Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports his Department has in place for over 65s in relation to heating supports coming into the winter; if his Department will ensure that a campaign is rolled out to make people aware of their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62251/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides direct support towards energy costs to qualifying low-income households, including to those aged over 65, through schemes such as the Fuel Allowance Scheme, Household Benefits Package as wells as through Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

The Fuel Allowance Scheme is means tested and assists pensioners and other welfare dependent householders with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season.

The Household Benefits Package is universally available to those aged 70 and older, and those between 66 and 70, must meet certain qualifying criteria. The Household Benefits comprises the Electricity/Gas Allowance of €35 per month and the Free Television Licence Scheme which is worth €160 per year with a total value per year of €580.

My department also provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. My department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.

Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I can confirm that a communications campaign is currently underway to raise awareness of fuel supports and other entitlements available to those aged over 65 in advance of the winter period. This includes targeted messaging across social media and updates to the www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/fuel-allowance/, as well as a www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/press-releases/minister-calleary-announces-commencement-of-fuel-allowance-season/ issued highlighting key supports and encouraging those eligible to engage with the department on 19 September 2025.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.