Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
528. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9513/22]
View answerAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not yet applied for fuel allowance. I have arranged for an application form to be issued to them. On receipt of a completed application, the person’s eligibility for fuel allowance will be determined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.
Fuel 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 State pension (contributory). An individual applicant can have a combined weekly household income of €120.00 above the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) and still be eligible for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
