Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2018
485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for fuel allowance will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs.
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. The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory). The applicant and their spouse can have a combined weekly household income of €100.00 above the maximum rates for state pension (contributory) and Increase for qualified adult and still be eligible for a fuel allowance.
The person concerned is in receipt of an occupational pension in addition to their State pension entitlements. This brings their household means over the permissible weekly means for fuel allowance qualification purposes.
For every means limit set, there will be applicants who exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise, and fail to qualify. The application for fuel allowance was disallowed. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 11 April 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
