In order to qualify for the national fuel scheme, applicants must satisfy a means assessment and be living alone or only with persons who satisfy specific criteria.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of invalidity pension. He applied for a fuel allowance on 20 September 2012 and was refused as his spouse is in receipt of illness benefit. Illness benefit is not regarded as a long term social welfare payment and consequently disqualifies the household for payment of the fuel allowance. The person in question was informed in writing of the decision by a deciding officer on 10 October 2012.
The spouse of the person concerned has appealed a decision to refuse her application for invalidity pension. If her appeal is successful, entitlement to a fuel allowance will be reassessed.