Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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265. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied) was not successful; if other options are available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41545/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The gentleman concerned is in receipt of invalidity pension and disablement benefit.

The gentleman concerned does not qualify for fuel allowance under the National Fuel Scheme as he is in receipt of a disablement benefit payment and disablement benefit is a non qualifying payment for receipt of fuel allowance.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs. If a recipient of a social protection or HSE payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which s/he is unable to meet out of household income, that person may apply for a Heating Supplement.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.