Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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116. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a backlog in applications for the fuel allowance (details supplied). [53644/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 Billion, I am pleased to have secured a major expansion of the fuel allowance scheme, which will benefit up to 81,000 additional households from January 2023.

To assess entitlement to fuel allowance, which is a means tested payment, a Deciding Officer must have sufficient information to assess whether all necessary eligibility conditions for the payment are met. In certain cases, additional information may be awaited to allow the Deciding Officer to complete their assessment.

Fuel allowance applications are processed across my Department’s network of offices and scheme areas. I am advised that higher than normal volumes of applications are being received and my officials are working through these applications currently.

In all cases, applications for fuel allowance should be directed to the office or scheme area which manages the applicant’s primary payment. Enquiries about a specific fuel allowance application should also be directed to that office or scheme area, as it is best placed to advise on the status of the application.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.