Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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361. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will have a decision on their invalidity pension claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56112/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The department received a claim for IP from the person concerned on 24 June 2022.  The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.  She was notified on 09 September 2022 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and/or appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her request.  Following a review of all the information available it has been decided that there is no change to the original decision.  She was notified on 14 November 2022 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

Entitlement to IP can only be established on receipt of a completed application form, and any request for backdating of a claim for a period prior to date of receipt can only be considered if there is a current entitlement.  

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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362. 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. [56113/22]

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 heating needs.

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 appropriate maximum weekly rate of State Pension Contributory. 

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned was disallowed Fuel Allowance in March of this year, as she was in receipt of Working Family Payment which is not a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.  I understand that the person concerned remains in receipt of Working Family Payment.  

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.