Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
290. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 15 September 2022, the reason that the recent fuel allowance claim for a person (details supplied) was refused; the circumstances under which they may still qualify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50849/22]
View answerThe purpose of the Fuel Allowance payment is to assist households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
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. As previously advised to the Deputy, changes that took effect in the current fuel allowance season mean that any CE participant who had been on the Live Register for 312 days prior to joining their scheme can now apply for the allowance. As a result, a claim form issued to the person concerned and his subsequent application has now been processed in the Department.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Fuel allowance has been granted in this case and will be paid to the participant by the sponsor in the next wages payment on 20/10/2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
