Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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593. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a fuel allowance payment; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3017/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was awarded the state pension (contributory), together with the increase for living alone, with effect from 16 December 2017, their 66^thbirthday. They were notified in writing of this decision on 30 November 2017.

The person concerned was in receipt of Disability Allowance with fuel allowance and increase for living alone prior to reaching pension age. They received a fuel allowance lump sum payment on 4 October 2017 while in receipt of this means-tested Disability Allowance payment.

Since the person is now in receipt of state pension (contributory), a scheme with different eligibility conditions for fuel allowance, entitlement to fuel allowance must be re-examined to ascertain eligibility for fuel allowance with this pension.

A request for information issued to the person on 9 October 2017 requesting details of means and confirmation of preferred frequency of payment of the fuel allowance. A reply has not been received to date. A reminder has issued on 19 January 2018. When the requested information is received, the person’s fuel allowance claim will be finalised without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.