Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
377. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will take steps to ensure that the household package, including the free fuel scheme, is paid to a person (details supplied) who now lives alone due to the death of their spouse. [46632/23]
View answerThe National Fuel Scheme applies to persons in receipt of long-term Social Welfare payments who satisfy a means condition and who are living alone or who only with the persons who come within certain categories.
An application for Fuel Allowance (FA) was received from the person concerned on 31 August 2023. Her application was initially refused as the information then available to my Department indicated her household was ineligible for FA. However, a review has been undertaken and it has been established that she qualifies for FA from 31/08/2023. She will receive her first payment and all arrears due to her nominated bank account on 26 October 2023.
The person in question has also now been awarded a Living Alone Increase from 10 August 2023. She will receive her first payment of this increased allowance, along with the arrears due, on 26 October 2023.
The person concerned has been awarded the Household Benefits package with effect from 28 February 2023 and a letter issued to her on 20 October 2023 to inform her of this decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
