Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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326. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the means test threshold for the households benefits package for people under 70 years will be increased from €120 to €200 a week, in line with the fuel allowance increase implemented in January; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5302/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence.  My Department will spend approximately €285 million this year on HHB for over 506,000 customers.  People over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household.  The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test.  The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. 

I can confirm to the Deputy that in line with previous increases to the allowable means for fuel allowance, the means test threshold for the HHB package was similarly increased.  Therefore, from the 2nd of January 2023, the means threshold for HHB purposes for people aged between 66 and under 70 years was increased from €120 to €200 a week above the relevant State Pension Contributory rate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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327. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5305/23]

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. 

A request for further information issued to the person concerned on 30 January 2023.  On receipt of the requested information their entitlement to Fuel allowance will be examined. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy. 

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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328. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person in receipt of disability allowance whose spouse cares for them, in addition to a person residing outside of the home, is eligible for fuel allowance, assuming that all other criteria are met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5306/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A Fuel Allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months.  It is paid to people who are in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments or are aged over 70 years, satisfy a means assessment and other certain qualifying conditions.  Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.

Disability Allowance is a qualifying payment for receipt of Fuel Allowance and the person in the circumstances described can apply for the payment.

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 sent to the person concerned for completion.  Their entitlement will be examined on return of their completed application online, or by post to the Disability Allowance Section, Department of Social Welfare, Ballinalee Road, Longford.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.