Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

296. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7851/23]

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

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.

The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 13 January 2023. They were notified in writing on 13 February 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

297. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an application for household benefits package for a person (details supplied) was unsuccessful and under what circumstances it can be awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7876/23]

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

An application for the Household Benefits Package was received from the person concerned on 17 January 2023. On 26 January 2023, the person was notified in writing that they did not qualify for the Household Benefits Package as their spouse is not in receipt of a qualifying payment. This followed a previous application on 17 September 2021 which was disallowed on 27 September 2021, for the same reason.

It is open to the person concerned to apply for an Increase for Qualified Adult payment in respect of their spouse on their state pension. If awarded the increase, the person's entitlement to Household Benefits Package can be re-examined.

If there is no change in the person's circumstances in the interim, the person concerned will become eligible for the Household Benefits Package on reaching age 70. At that time, they should re-apply online at MyWelfare.ie or by completing an application form. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.