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 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 threshold for the fuel allowance means test is €120.00 above the maximum weekly rate of state pension (contributory), or €383.30 in the case of a single person.

The application of the person concerned was examined and they were notified in writing that their weekly household means exceeded the limit for fuel allowance.

The means limit is strictly adhered to in order to ensure uniformity and equity to all customers. Therefore, the decision outlined in our letter dated 18/08/2022 remains unchanged.

If the person’s circumstances change it is open to them to re-apply.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.