Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

335. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status in determination of an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14810/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Fuel allowance may be payable to certain applicants in receipt of long-term social welfare payments, who are unable to provide for their household heating needs. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted persons. Full details of the qualifying criteria are available on the Department’s website at www.welfare.ie.

An application for fuel allowance was received from the person concerned on 16 February 2016. As the person’s weekly household means exceeded the current income limit for fuel allowance, the application was disallowed and the person concerned was notified of the decision on 20 April 2016. Following a telephone call from the person concerned, the fuel allowance application was reviewed. A decision notification letter issued to the person concerned on 25 April 2016, followed by a further letter dated 31 May 2016, explaining that the eligibility conditions for fuel allowance are not satisfied as the household income is in excess of the applicable weekly limit.

If the person’s financial circumstances change at a future date, it is open to them to re-apply for fuel allowance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.