Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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536. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person in County Cork (details supplied) is entitled to the fuel allowance. [43190/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Fuel Allowance is payable to people who satisfy the conditions of the scheme and who either live alone or only with certain qualified people.

The person concerned must complete a Fuel Allowance application form and submit it to the Department in order to have their eligibility assessed and a formal decision made.

To date, no application for fuel allowance has been received from the person concerned. An application form for fuel allowance issued to the person on 17 October 2024. Alternatively, they can apply online through their MyGovID account. A deciding officer will then review their entitlement to the allowance.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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537. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person in County Cork (details supplied) can lodge an application for illness benefit while waiting on a decision on their disability allowance appeal. [43199/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A person should always apply for Illness Benefit if they are medically certified as unfit for work.

Eligibility for Illness Benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. People must have made the required number of contributions in Class A, E, H or P to qualify. In general, self-employed people make PRSI contributions at Class S which does not count towards eligibility for Illness Benefit.

If the person does not qualify for Illness Benefit and is encountering difficulties in meeting their basic financial commitments, it is open to them to contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre to see if they might qualify for assistance under the terms of the means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.