Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
480. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for fuel allowance will be awarded when waiting on a probate (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24561/23]
View answerFuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to assist those aged over 70 years and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs; it is not intended to meet these costs in full. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed to direct the limited resources available to my department in a targeted manner. To qualify for Fuel Allowance, a person must satisfy all the qualifying criteria, including a means test and the household composition criteria.
The person concerned can make an application for Fuel Allowance based on their current circumstances and an officer of my department will determine their entitlement.
If awarded the Fuel Allowance, the person concerned is obliged to inform my department of any change in circumstances which may affect their entitlement, and a review will be undertaken at that stage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
