Written answers

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Department of Social Protection

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there are any circumstances under which the fuel allowance can be retained on medical grounds beyond the current qualifying period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13669/13]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In 2013 my Department will spend an estimated €211 million on the fuel allowance scheme providing some 410,000 customers with an additional €20 per week paid in addition to their social welfare payment for 26 weeks. In addition, an estimated €284 million will be spent on the household benefits scheme, providing some 410,000 customers with a package worth almost €700 per year. This scheme incorporates the electricity and gas allowances, the telephone allowance and the free television licence.

The aim of the fuel allowance scheme is to provide additional support for those on long-term welfare payments during the winter season. The duration of the fuel allowance is for 26 weeks or half of the year and covers the coldest months from October to April. The allowance is not paid beyond 26 weeks in any circumstances. The household benefits package is paid all year round.

While there is no provision to extend the fuel allowance beyond the qualifying period, under my Department’s supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people who have special heating needs. A person may qualify for a heating supplement, if they can show that they have extra heating needs because of their age, medical condition or disability, are living alone or only with a dependent adult or dependent children and satisfy a means test. Approximately 3,200 people are currently in receipt of this supplement.

In addition, exceptional needs payments (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet out of his or her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is decided on the particular circumstances of the case. The provision for exceptional needs payments in 2013 is €47.6 million, with an additional €11.4 million for supplements.

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