Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for fuel allowance or other benefit which he previously had during the pandemic while he is on a community employment scheme given that he is asthmatic and diabetic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Fuel Allowance payment is to assist households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household.
If a participant on a Community Employment (CE) scheme was in receipt of Fuel Allowance prior to going on the scheme, they continue to receive the Fuel Allowance payment while participating on the scheme, once they continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions.
If the CE participant was not in receipt of Fuel Allowance prior to starting on CE they may still apply and potentially qualify for a Fuel Allowance.
From 1st September 2022, the period a person must be in receipt of Jobseeker's allowance or Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) to access the Fuel Allowance scheme has been reduced to 12 months. This will benefit people on CE who previously have been in receipt of the above payments for greater than 312 days but who did not meet the 390-day requirement.
The person concerned made an application for a Fuel Allowance but was deemed not eligible for the allowance on the basis that they were not in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment prior to commencement on CE. The person may wish to contact the Department of Social Protection Office, Maynooth, Co Kildare to establish the position as regards other payments referenced by the Deputy in his question.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
