Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Gaukhar Yerk
technical glitch

3,000 delayed fuel allowance payments to be received next week

The technical glitch that caused the issue has been resolved.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE whose fuel allowance payments were delayed due to a technical glitch will receive their money next week.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) has said the technical issue behind the delay has been resolved.

The 3,000 customers who experienced a delay in receiving their lump sum payment will receive their money early next week.

Customers who receive their lump sum payments electronically or via bank transfer will receive the payment in their accounts on Monday, while post office payments will be available for collection on Tuesday.

The majority of customers who have opted for a lump sum payment have received their payment as expected this week, the DEASP said in a statement. Of a total 340,000 customers in receipt of fuel allowance, 57,000 people opted last year to receive their payments in two lump sums.

The department said it became aware earlier this week of the delay and “wishes to sincerely apologise to all the customers affected”.

“In the meantime, as always, any customer who is experiencing financial hardship due to this delay can of course contact the Department’s Community Welfare Service at their local Department Office or Intreo Centre for assistance,” the statement notes.

€200 million

The DEASP will spend in excess of €200 million on fuel allowance payments for the 2017/2018 fuel season.

This winter season marks the first time customers could opt to receive their fuel allowance payment of €607.50 in two lump sums, as opposed to a weekly allowance. The first lump sum of €292.50 was paid at the start of the fuel season in October and the second €315 is being paid now in January.

A study carried out by the DEASP in 2016 showed that the difference in price for a customer buying between 20 and 25 litres of kerosene was, on average, 11% per litre more expensive than for a customer who bought greater quantities, eg 400 litres.

Meanwhile, people who were in a position to buy multiple bags of coal could in some instances purchase them for up to €3 per bag cheaper.

Read: Nearly 3,000 fuel allowance payments delayed after technical glitch

Read: Airport worker awarded €50,000 after being sacked for refusing to drive uninsured vehicle

Your Voice
Readers Comments
6
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel