Almost 15,000 households in Kerry will begin receiving the Fuel Allowance from this week, as the new season of payments gets underway.
Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary says the scheme will support 410,000 homes nationwide with heating costs this winter.
Of these, 14,366 households are in Kerry.
The payment is worth €33 a week, or two lump sums of €462, and runs for 28 weeks.
Eligibility has been expanded this year, with people aged 66 and over now able to qualify under enhanced rules.
Carer’s Allowance has also been added as a qualifying payment under the updated scheme.
The expansion of the scheme has been welcomed by Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill and Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly.
