Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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699. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52957/19]

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 applicant can have a weekly household income of €100.00 above the maximum rates for state pension (contributory) and still be eligible for a fuel allowance. 

The person concerned applied for fuel allowance on 8 August 2019. As this is a means-tested payment, additional information regarding their means was required to ascertain their entitlement.  Following receipt of the requested information, fuel allowance was awarded with effect from 16 October 2019.  Written notification of this decision issued to the person concerned on 12 December 2019 together with details of arrears due.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.