Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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234. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the amount awarded through the exceptional needs payment could be increased in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51753/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was recently awarded 2 Exceptional Needs Payments of €1,000 and €525 for white goods and flooring respectively.

The application was assessed in line with current legislation and the rules governing social assistance entitlements.  If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the designated officer it remains open to her to request a review of her case by the SWA Review Officer, Department of Social Protection, 77 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51780/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment and the aim of the scheme is to help qualified households in receipt of certain social welfare payments with the cost of heating their home during the winter months. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.

The Department last received a claim for fuel allowance for the person concerned in September 2014.  The application was refused as the qualifying conditions for the payment were not met at the time.  The Department does have a current application for Fuel allowance for the person in question.  An application form for Fuel allowance has been issued to the person concerned,

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.