Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
400. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the fuel allowance was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the income threshold for couples will be increased. [58864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.
The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). An individual can have a weekly income of €120.00 above the maximum rate for State pension (contributory) plus any increases for age, living alone and dependants and still be eligible for the fuel allowance. In this case the threshold, based on their household, is €600.30.
Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means were €768.05 which exceeded the permissible weekly means for the household. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 26 September 2022.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced an increase of €80.00 in the fuel means threshold for those aged under 70 from €120.00 to €200.00 from January 2023. As the household means of €768.05 will exceed the increased threshold, the person concerned will not qualify for fuel allowance from January 2023.
It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application if there are any changes in their circumstances.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
