Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
581. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which the means of a person (details supplied) were reached in relation to the fuel allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18138/20]
View answerFuel allowance is a means-tested payment which aims to help householders on long-term social welfare payments with their heating costs during the winter season. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The applicant must satisfy a number of eligibility conditions, which include being in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfying a means test and living alone or only with other qualifying person(s). 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.
On their fuel allowance application form, the person concerned provided details of jointly-held capital and UK pensions. The fuel allowance means assessment was based on assessed weekly means from jointly-held capital, the couple’s UK pensions and their State pension entitlements. The total means assessed exceeds the permissible weekly means of €570.80 for fuel allowance qualification for a couple where both are aged over 66.
Weekly means from capital is calculated using the following formula which is published on www.gov.ie, together with fuel allowance guidelines. The first €20,000 is disregarded. The next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000. The next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per €1,000. The remainder (in excess of €40,000) is assessed at €4 per €1,000. Therefore weekly means from capital of €60,000 are assessed as €110.00.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 10 July 2020. They were advised that if their circumstances change it is open to them to submit a new application for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
