Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
378. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) who had their fuel allowance disallowed on reaching 66 years of age will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43274/20]
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 can have a weekly household income of €100 above the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) and still be eligible for fuel allowance.
The person concerned applied for this allowance on 14 April 2020 with their State pension (contributory) application. The person concerned was notified in writing on 24 April 2020 that they did not satisfy the means test for the fuel allowance.
The person concerned reapplied for fuel allowance on 9 October 2020 stating he was employed on a part-time basis. According to the records of my Department, he continues to have earnings in excess of €100 per week which exceeds the means limit for this allowance. The application was disallowed and the person concerned was notified in writing on 21 October 2020.
If the person’s circumstances change, it is open to them to reapply for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
