Local Minister of State Niamh Smyth has welcomed the extension of the weekly Fuel Allowance payment to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment.
The local TD said that 1,955 families in Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from the change, with 50,000 families expected to benefit nationwide.
Fuel Allowance is a weekly payment of €38 that helps with the cost of heating homes during the winter months and is paid to one person in each household.
The first payment will issue on Thursday March 12th and will be backdated to January 1st. For those who were receiving the Working Family Payment before January 1st , this will mean a back payment of €380.
Speaking on the announcement, she said for the first time, 50,000 families who were in receipt of the Working Family Payment will now qualify for Fuel Allowance support.
She said this means thousands of hardworking families will receive help with their energy bills.
Minister of State Smith said: "Some good news for families on the working family payment. They will be delighted to hear that the fuel allowance has been updated, its €38 per week. Its going to be back dated to the 1st of January.
"For those in receipt prior to the 1st of January, will receive a back payment of €380. That will be paid to them next Thursday, on 12th of March," she added.
