Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48540/19]
View answerFuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs.
The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory). The applicant and their spouse can have a combined weekly household income of €100.00 above the maximum rates for state pension (contributory) and Increase for qualified adult and still be eligible for a fuel allowance.
The person concerned applied for this allowance on 7 August 2019. Since it is a means-tested payment, additional information regarding means held by the couple was requested on 26 August 2019. A further request issued on 21 October 2019. There is still information outstanding, regarding a bank account and rate of UK pension, which is required for the means test to be completed.
The application for fuel allowance was disallowed based on non-disclosure of means and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 20 November 2019. However, if the requested information is provided, a Deciding Officer will review the application and notify the person of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
