Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason fuel allowance-household benefits package has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40852/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order for qualify for fuel allowance the applicant must satisfy a household means test.

In addition to the applicant’s social welfare payment, the applicant and other members of their household must have a combined income not exceeding €100.00 per week, or combined savings/investments not exceeding €58,000. According to the records of the Department, the means of the person concerned is in excess of €100.00 per week and accordingly the eligibility conditions for fuel allowance are not satisfied.

As the applicant is aged under 70 years, in order to be eligible for the household benefits package the person concerned must live alone or only with certain excepted people. According to the records of the Department, a non-excepted person resides at the same address and accordingly the eligibility conditions for household benefits are not satisfied.