The Department of Social Protection’s Heating Supplement may help with heating costs if you meet three eligibility conditions
The heating supplement is an additional weekly payment to help with the cost of heating your home – stock photo
Winter has officially arrived in Ireland, bringing with it a chill in the air.
It’s the perfect weather for snuggling up indoors and getting cosy, but sadly, this comes at a cost as we’ll all be turning up the heating during this frosty spell.
Luckily, there are several social welfare schemes in place to help people handle the costs associated with warming our homes.
One such scheme is the Heating Supplement, managed by the Department of Social Protection. To take advantage of this lesser-known payment to assist with your heating bills, applicants need to fulfil just three criteria, reports RSVP Live.
Here’s all the information you need about it and how to apply.
Who qualifies for the Heating Supplement?
The heating supplement is an additional weekly payment designed to help cover the cost of heating your home. You may be eligible for a heating supplement, if you:
Can show you have extra heating needs because of your age, medical condition or disabilityAre living alone or only with a dependent adult or dependent childrenSatisfy a means testWhat is the value of the Heating Supplement?
There isn’t a fixed rate for the heating supplement. The amount you receive is determined based on your needs, as assessed by your Community Welfare Officer.
How to apply
You can pick up an application form for the heating supplement from your local Community Welfare Service. The Community Welfare Officer can assist you in filling out the form.
If you’re dissatisfied with the decision made by a Community Welfare Officer on your application, you have the right to request an internal review for reconsideration. It’s recommended to furnish as much supplementary information as you can to bolster your case.
Don’t worry if you don’t meet the criteria for the Heating Supplement – there are numerous other alternatives from the Department of Social Protection aimed at assisting with heating or energy bills. These encompass the Household Benefits Package and the Fuel Allowance.
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