Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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265. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when fuel allowance is likely to become available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51343/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment intended to help householders on long-term social welfare payments with their heating costs during the winter season.

The applicant must satisfy the main eligibility conditions which include being in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfying a means test and living alone or with other qualifying person(s).

As the spouse of the person concerned is not considered as a qualifying person for the purposes of fuel allowance, their application was disallowed. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 16 June 2018.

If the person's circumstances change, it is open to them to re-apply for fuel allowance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.