Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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220. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if and when the free fuel allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28060/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment 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. 

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned is not currently in receipt of a qualifying payment and does not therefore have an eligibility to a fuel allowance payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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221. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if and when the free fuel allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28061/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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No application for Fuel allowance has been received form the person concerned.  I have arranged for a fuel application form to issue to the person concerned.  On receipt of the completed application, eligibility for fuel allowance will be examined and the person will be notified in writing of the decision.

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. Only one allowance is paid 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.  The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory).  The applicant and spouse/civil partner/cohabitant can have a combined weekly household income of €100.00 above the maximum rates for State pension (contributory) and Increase for qualified adult and still be eligible for fuel allowance. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.