Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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885. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on applications by a person (details supplied) for the fuel allowance and the living alone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1160/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Applications for the increase for Living Alone and for the Fuel Allowance were received on 11 October 2022 from the person concerned.

The increase for Living Alone was awarded from 15 April 2022 at the weekly rate of €22.00, allowing for the maximum backdating of six months from the date of receipt of the original application.

The Fuel Allowance was awarded from 14 October 2022 at the weekly rate of €33.00 in line with current guidelines. As the person concerned is eligible for the Fuel Allowance and the Increase for Living Alone allowance they were automatically awarded the Telephone Support allowance at the weekly rate of €2.50 from 14 October 2022.

Arrears totaling €1,906 issued to the person concerned on 05/01/2023. This included: 12 weeks arrears of Fuel and Telephone support allowance; €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance Payment; arrears of Increase for Living Alone allowance, plus €200 cost-of-living Lump Sum Payment for pensioners receiving the increase for Living Alone and €22.00 Christmas bonus for the increase for Living Alone.

A letter issued to person concerned on 5 January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.