Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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253. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for fuel allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45392/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Fuel allowance is a means tested payment to assist those in receipt of long-term social welfare payments towards meeting their heating costs during the winter months. The payment is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.

Eligibility for fuel allowance is subject to a household means test and other qualifying conditions. A person in receipt of state pension (contributory) may have a combined household income of up to €100.00 per week over and above the maximum weekly rate of state pension (contributory) and must be living alone or with other qualified persons.

A fuel application form was received from the person concerned on 11 October 2017.

On 23 October 2017, additional information on household means was requested from the person concerned to facilitate a decision on entitlement being made.

On receipt of this information a decision on fuel allowance entitlement will be made and the person concerned notified without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.