Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

476. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the State pension or widows' pension is the best payment to be in receipt of in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4021/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned did not have sufficient contributions to qualify for the State Pension (contributory) which is based on the applicants own social insurance record.  The Widows Contributory Pension is currently in payment to them at the maximum weekly rate of €265.30 per week.  This is equivalent to the maximum rate State Pension (contributory).  The Widows Contributory Pension can remain in payment provided the governing conditions continue to be satisfied.  

In addition the person concerned may wish to apply for a Fuel Allowance.  This payment 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 to assist households with their energy costs.  To make an application, the quickest and easiest way to apply is online at mywelfare.ie.  Alternatively, if the person concerned is unable to access online services, an application form for Fuel Allowance has been issued to the person concerned and their entitlement can be examined when they submit the completed application to my department.  Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.