Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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420. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59080/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.

The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). An individual can have a weekly income of €120.00 above the maximum rate for State pension (contributory) plus any increases for age, living alone and dependants and still be eligible for the fuel allowance. In this case the threshold, based on their household, is €373.30.

Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means were €383.11 which exceeds the current permissible weekly means for the household. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 23 November 2022.

As the Deputy is aware, from January 2023 the weekly means threshold is being increased by €80, from €120 to €200 above the appropriate weekly rate of State Pension (Contributory) for applicants under 70 years of age. As the household means of €383.11 will be under the increased threshold, their entitlement from January 2023 will automatically be reviewed.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.