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Fuel Allowance Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2018

Thursday, 8 February 2018

Ceisteanna (275)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a winter fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6503/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household. The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. An applicant may have a combined household income of up to €100.00 per week over and above the maximum rate of state pension (contributory). For every means limit set, there will be applicants who exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise, and fail to qualify.

In addition to state pension (contributory), the person concerned is in receipt of private pensions, the assessable portion of which brings them over the permissible weekly means for fuel allowance qualification purposes. Their application for fuel allowance was disallowed. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 1 February 2018.

Separately, according to the records of my Department the person concerned is in receipt of, and has a lifetime entitlement to, Disablement Benefit. Disablement Benefit is a non-qualifying payment for fuel allowance.

If the person concerned forwards any other information that is relevant to their application to the Department, a Deciding Officer will review their entitlement.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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