Members of the public across the Shannonside region are being urged to reapply for the Fuel Allowance if previously unsuccessful.
It comes following the introduction of a new means test for the subsidy resulting in a widenings of the bands.
The extension is particularly aimed at over 70's in an effort to reduce the number of older people afraid to turn on their heating due to the cost.
Deborah Dwyer, Development Manager for Co. Westmeath Citizens Information, has this advice.
"So again I would be suggesting to all listeners, if you were previously refused Fuel Allowance, there's a possibility, now that the bands have widened, that you may qualify and put in for it as soon as possible in January to get an assessment and calculation done. It is worthwhile for people, particularly the elderly, that are at home all day and may a medical need to have the heating on all day due to circulation or other issues, to make an application for the fuel allowance".
