Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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364. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12465/22]

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 with 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). The applicant can have weekly means of €120.00 above the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) and still be eligible for a fuel allowance.

An application for this allowance was received from the person concerned on 12 October 2021. Since it is a means-tested payment, information regarding their household means was requested by letter dated 01 December 2021. As the requested information was not provided, the application could not be processed and was therefore disallowed. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 05 February 2022.

It is open to the person concerned to reapply for the fuel allowance and provide the information required for the means assessment. The person’s eligibility for fuel allowance can then be determined and they will be notified of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.