Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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854. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the living alone allowance is taken into account as means when assessing eligibility for the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63478/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €412 million in 2023.  The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.  Only one allowance is paid per household.

In the case of applicants in receipt of the Living Alone Increase (LAI), the Fuel Allowance guidelines indicate that the rate of LAI received is disregarded when assessing means for Fuel Allowance purposes.  This ensures that the LAI does not affect a person's entitlement to Fuel Allowance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.