Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
389. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to the fuel allowance, given they were informed by her Department on 12 November 2022 that their application would be reviewed on 1 January 2023. [21159/23]
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. From January 2023, the threshold for the fuel allowance means test for those aged between 66 and 70 increased to €465.30 for a single person.
Following a means assessment, it was determined that the means for the person concerned exceeded the weekly means for fuel allowance qualification purposes. The application was disallowed and the person concerned was notified in writing on 5 December 2022 and 2 May 2023. Where applicants exceed the income limit, marginally or otherwise, there is no scope for discretion.
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.
