Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6028/24]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. Further information and the qualifying conditions for this scheme can be found on www.gov.ie.
According to the records of my department an application for Fuel Allowance has not been received from the person. The person concerned was in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) up to 23/01/2024 when they transitioned to the Working Family Payment (WFP). JB and WFP are not qualifying payments for Fuel Allowance.
My Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Assistance was provided to the person concerned in December 2023, when they were awarded an ANP of €300 toward heating costs. If the person is experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person’s claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
