Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
247. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to the provision of the fuel allowance for a person (details supplied) taking into account the time already spent on the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45231/22]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment currently of €33.00 per week, for 28 weeks from October to April.
The purpose of the payment is to assist households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The Fuel Allowance payment is targeted towards those who are more vulnerable to energy poverty, including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
If a participant on a Community Employment (CE) scheme was in receipt of Fuel Allowance prior to going on the scheme, they can continue to receive the Fuel Allowance payment while participating on the scheme once they continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions.
If the CE participant was not in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment prior to going on the CE scheme they may still apply for and qualify for Fuel Allowance.
It appears that there is no record in the department of a Fuel Allowance application being received from the customer referred to. A Fuel Allowance application form has been sent out from the Department to this individual. The customer has been advised to return the completed application form to the Department of Social Protection office at Springvalley, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
The application will be reviewed on receipt and a decision taken as to his entitlement or otherwise to Fuel Allowance.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
