Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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438. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when fuel allowance will be made available in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14815/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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An application for fuel allowance was received from the person concerned on 12 March 2018.

Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. One allowance is payable per household.

The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. An applicant may have a combined household income of up to €100.00 per week over and above the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) and increase for qualified adult.

Entitlement to the fuel allowance will be assessed and the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.