Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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464. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for fuel allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6489/22]

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 current threshold for the fuel allowance means test is €120 above the maximum weekly rate of State pension (contributory). This weekly income threshold increased from €100 to €120 with effect from 11 October 2021.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for fuel allowance on 30 October 2018 and on 13 September 2019. The person had an occupational pension in excess of €100 per week, which exceeded the previous means limit for fuel allowance on both occasions. Accordingly, they were notified in writing on 22 October 2018 and on 25 September 2019 that they did not qualify for fuel allowance on the basis of their means.

Since the threshold for the fuel allowance means test has now increased, it is open to the person concerned to reapply for fuel allowance. I have arranged for a Fuel Allowance application form to be sent to them. On receipt of a completed application, the person’s entitlement to fuel allowance can be examined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.