Written answers

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Benefits

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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527. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9512/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel allowance (FA) is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people. The person concerned was awarded FA with effect from 17 November 2021 and he was also awarded living alone allowance (LAA) and telephone support allowance (TSA) from this date. On 19 November 2021 a letter issued informing them of this.

Their first payment was made by their chosen payment method on 24 November 2021 and any arrears of allowance due have issued to the person concerned. FA is paid during the winter months only.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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528. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9513/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not yet applied for fuel allowance. I have arranged for an application form to be issued to them. On receipt of a completed application, the person’s eligibility for fuel allowance will be determined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.

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 State pension (contributory). An individual applicant can have a combined weekly household income of €120.00 above the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) and still be eligible for fuel allowance.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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529. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9514/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to is in receipt of invalidity pension, awarded to her on 03 December 2021 with effect from 07 October 2021. She received her first payment to her nominated bank account on 16 December 2021 and received arrears due from 07 October 2021 to 15 December 2021 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) on 13 January 2022. The person in question was notified of the decision on 03 December 2021.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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530. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9515/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to was awarded invalidity pension with effect from 28 October 2021 and received her first payment to her nominated bank account on 06 January 2022. She received all arrears due for the period 28 October 2021 to 05 January 2022 on 13 January 2022. The person in question was notified of this decision on 22 December 2021.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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