Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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440. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44617/20]

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. The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory). The applicant and their spouse 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 a fuel allowance.

The person concerned applied for this allowance on 16 October 2020. Since it is a means-tested payment, information regarding their household means was requested on 29 October 2020. This has not been provided to date. When this information is received, the person’s eligibility for fuel allowance can be determined and they will be notified of a decision as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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441. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for a disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44618/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 November 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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442. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44619/20]

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. The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). The applicant and their spouse 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 a fuel allowance.

The person concerned applied for fuel allowance on 27 October 2020. Since it is a means-tested payment, information regarding their household means was requested on 6 November 2020, and received 7 December 2020.

On 10 December 2020, an up-to-date bank statement has been requested for one bank account, or confirmation that the account is no longer active. Once this information is received, the person’s eligibility for fuel allowance can be determined and they will be notified of a decision as soon as possible.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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443. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44620/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for fuel allowance was received from the person concerned on 27 October 2020.

The person concerned has been awarded fuel allowance with effect from 30 October 2020. A notification of the award issued to the person concerned on 29 October 2020.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.