Coals from Newcastle — Returned Irish may get British winter fuel payment says Connaughton

By Kernan Andrews

People who worked in Britain and who have retired to Ireland may be eligible for the British Winter Fuel Payment Allowance, according to Fine Gael Galway East TD Paul Connaughton.

Over the last 10 years, the British government has paid out more than €9.5 million under this scheme to Irish people who have returned to Ireland. The annual payment ranges between £100 and £300, depending on circumstances.

Winter Fuel Payments were extended to former UK residents as under European law, benefits acquires in one member state must be paid to people who live outside that state but within the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

Until last year this money could only be paid to Irish people if they received the payment while in the UK and then transferred it to Ireland but this was changed following a ruling by the European Court of Justice.

‘To be eligible for this fuel payment, the only requirement is that a claimant was born on or before July 5 1951 and has a genuine and sufficient link with the UK.

“I believe that many people in County Galway can easily prove they have lived or worked in the UK for most of their working lives,” said Dep Connaughton.

Those who are or may be eligible should contact Dep Connaughton at his constituency office on (093 - 52000) or see https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim