Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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485. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8187/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit at a rate of €203 per week.

Illness Benefit is classed as a short term scheme and is not a qualifying payment for fuel allowance.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme a heat supplement may be awarded in cases where a person has exceptional essential heating costs due to ill health or infirmity and who cannot provide for such costs from within his or her own recourses. If the person concerned wishes to apply for a heat supplement they should contact the Community Welfare Officer at their local Intreo Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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486. 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. [8188/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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 their spouse can have a combined weekly household income of €100 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 20. Since it is a means-tested payment, information regarding their household means was requested on 29 October 2020. The requested information has not been provided to date, and as a result the application cannot be processed.

When the person concerned provides the information required for the means assessment, eligibility for fuel allowance can be determined and they will be notified of the outcome of their fuel allowance application.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.