Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
612. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for the fuel allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14415/22]
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 threshold for the fuel allowance means test is €120.00 above the maximum weekly rate of state pension (contributory).
The income of the person concerned exceeds the permissible weekly means for fuel allowance qualification purposes. Where applicants exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise, there is no scope for discretion. The application was disallowed and the person concerned was notified in writing on 22 February 2022.
If the person’s circumstances change, it is open to them to reapply for fuel allowance.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
