Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
1894. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost for each one euro increase in the income means test applied to the fuel allowance scheme. [36677/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel allowance is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. Recipients of non-contributory social welfare payments who are eligible to apply for fuel allowance are accepted as satisfying the means test.
The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory); fuel allowance applicants and members of their household may have a combined assessable income of up to €100 a week above this rate. The income means test applied to the fuel allowance scheme automatically increases with the state pension (contributory) rate.
The Department is compiling the data requested and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
