Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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263. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if all entitlements are being paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29523/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum rate of widow(er)’s or surviving civil partner’s contributory pension payable to a person aged under 66. The person is also in receipt of electricity allowance and free television licence, under the Department’s household benefits scheme.

The person concerned applied for an increase for living alone, which was disallowed by the Deciding Officer because the person had not reached the qualifying age of 66. The person concerned appealed this decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Officer decided that the decision of the Deciding Officer to disallow the application for increase for living alone was correct and in keeping with the legislative conditions for receipt of the increase.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.