PENSIONERS in line for
a fuel allowance lump sum of almost €300 this week
are experiencing delays due to a problem with
payments.
The Department of Social Protection today said the
delay is currently being investigated.
Among those affected are contributory and
non-contributory pensioners; invalidity and widowed
pensioners as well as people in receipt of the
disability allowance and national fuel scheme. Those
who get their fuel allowance weekly are not
affected.
The delay comes as Storm Eleanor ravaged the country
and as temperatures are set to fall in the coming
days.
"There is a problem with some payments of the fuel
allowance lump sum due for payment this week. This
is currently being investigated. Arrangements will
be made to pay customers impacted by this issue as
soon as possible,” the department said in a
statement.
The annual fuel allowance scheme sees €22.50 added
to the payments of long-term welfare recipients for
26 weeks between October and early April.
For the 2017/2018 winter season recipients could,
for the first time, opt to get the allowance in two
lump sums of €292.50. The first payment was paid in
October with the second due this week. The lump sums
are designed to help people who rely on bulk buy
fuel such as those using home heating oil.
The weather outlook from Met Eireann for the weekend
is for temperatures “to remain bitterly cold with
widespread severe frosts and the risk of icy
stretches”.
Meanwhile, householders are urged to contact their
energy supplier as soon as possible if they run into
difficulties paying their heating bills this season.
The department said suppliers are required to offer
people a payment plan if they are genuinely
struggling to pay their bills. |
