Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
470. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision to disallow a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24391/23]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.
Since January 2023, the threshold for the fuel allowance means test for those aged over 70 is €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple without the need to be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. In this case, the threshold is €500 per week.
It was decided on 16th February 2023, that the person concerned was not entitled to a fuel allowance as her income, derived from a private pension, was in excess of the current income threshold. This decision has since been reviewed and the outcome remains the same.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Additional 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.
