John McGuinness
Ceist:743. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons (details supplied) are entitled to fuel allowance or other benefits. [15314/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 July 2020
Ceisteanna (743)
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. 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 applied for this allowance on 15 July 2019. At that time their spouse was in receipt of a non-qualifying payment and the fuel allowance application was disallowed. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 23 July 2019 and advised if there were any changes in their circumstances to submit a new application.
I have arranged for a fuel application form to issue to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application their eligibility for this allowance will be re-examined and they will be notified in writing of the decision.
The person concerned is also in receipt of the Household Benefits Package which entitles them to an electricity allowance and free television licence.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.