Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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141. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether consideration will be given to increasing the income threshold for eligibility to fuel allowance in line with increases received by pensioners in Budget 2026, as the increase could render some pensioners ineligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62178/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The means disregard for Fuel Allowance purposes will be increased in line with the announced increases to the State Pension. From January 2026, the allowable means for those aged 66 or over will be increased by €10 to €534 for a single person and by €20 to €1,068 for a couple.

For those age under 66 the allowable means is calculated using the relevant State Pension Contributory rate plus €200. Therefore, the allowable means for this cohort automatically increases with any increase to the State Pension Contributory rate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.