Seán Sherlock
Ceist:421. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a fuel allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10905/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 March 2023
Ceisteanna (421)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 €200.00 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 €703.10.
Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means were €711.56 which exceeded the permissible weekly means of €703.10 for the household. Where applicants exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise, there is no scope for discretion. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 28 February 2023.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Additional 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.