Changes in fuel allowance means test leads to case backlog

Department of Social Protection says 13,000 claims have yet to be processed, but payments will be backdated

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection: ‘Where an application is awarded, there will be no loss in payment to the qualified households concerned.’ Picture: PA

A surge in claims for the fuel allowance from pensioners has led to a backlog of 13,000 cases.

The government relaxed the means test for over-70s in last year’s budget to help them deal with the surge in gas, oil and electricity bills. The move allowed a much larger group of pensioners to submit claims for the payment, which is worth €924 per year.

New figures from the Department of Social Protection show that there ...