Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
625. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a full carer's allowance is entitled to a fuel allowance payment or any other additional social protection supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51035/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fuel allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments and who also satisfy certain other conditions.
Carer's allowance (CA) is not a qualifying payment for receipt of fuel allowance. However, carers may qualify for the fuel allowance if they are getting half-rate CA and another qualifying social welfare payment. In this case, the person concerned is not in receipt of a qualifying payment. The person concerned is in receipt of full-rate CA and a household benefits package (HHB) from my department. It may be that another member of the household may qualify for fuel allowance if they are in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and satisfy the qualifying conditions for same. Only one fuel allowance may be claimed per household.
CA recipients automatically qualify for the Carer's Support Grant, an annual payment of €1,850.00, from June 2021 (€1,700 prior to June 2021) which is not means-tested or taxed and also qualify for Free Travel. They can also register for a GP Visit card through the Health Service Executive.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
