Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
257. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision on an application for a fuel allowance can be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42493/19]
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 can have weekly income of €100.00 above the maximum rate for state pension (contributory) and remain eligible for a fuel allowance.
The person concerned is in receipt of an occupational pension in addition to their State pension entitlements, which brings their assessable means over the permissible weekly means for fuel allowance qualification purposes. Their application for fuel allowance was disallowed and they were notified in writing of this decision on 25 September 2019.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
