Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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991. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14882/21]

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 winter heating needs. It is not intended to meet these costs in full. Only one allowance is payable per household.

The main eligibility conditions for receipt of fuel allowance are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and live alone or with other qualifying persons.  The threshold for the fuel allowance means test is €100.00 above the maximum weekly rate of 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 25 February 2021. According to the records of my Department, he has an occupational pension in excess of €100 per week, which exceeds the means limit for this allowance.  Where  applicants exceed the permissible income limit, marginally or otherwise  and do not  qualify, there is no scope for discretion. The application was disallowed and the person concerned was notified in writing on 6 March 2021.

If the person’s circumstances change, it is open to them to reapply for fuel allowance.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.