Abela promises higher energy benefits for low income households

More low-income households will be eligible for the energy benefit and pensioners who still live at home will get an extra €200 and free internet if Labour is re-elected to government, Robert Abela told a Labour Party event on Tuesday evening. The energy benefit is aimed at helping low-income families with their utility bills. Currently, it covers up to 30 per cent of eligible households' utility bills prior to the eco reduction, up to a maximum of €75 per year per person in the household. To qualify for the benefit, the household's declared income must not exceed €9,302 yearly, but Abela said the limit will be bumped up by at least another €2,500 if Labour is re-elected. "Thousands of pensioners will be eligible to benefit from lower utility bills and gas rebate," he told supporters in Żabbar. "The measure will save you up to €314, and that's aside from the €15 weekly rise in pensions." He said this way, pensioners would have been given financial aid that equalled the income tax reduction for workers. He also pledged to raise the senior citizen grant by €200 yearly for those who are over 75 and still live at home. Currently, the grant is of €300 yearly to persons aged between...