Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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689. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to arrears on their fuel allowance application. [52909/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment, payable during winter months, to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs. 

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.  The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory).

The person concerned applied for fuel allowance on 5 November 2013.  Fuel allowance was awarded on 9 November 2013 with effect from 5 November 2013.  The person was notified in writing of this decision on 9 November 2013.  Fuel allowance has remained in payment to the person concerned during the annual fuel allowance seasons since date of award. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.