Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
469. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will look into a case (details supplied) whereby a person on invalidity pension was refused a fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25196/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel Allowance (FA) may be payable to certain households in receipt of long term Social Welfare payments who are unable to provide for their heating needs. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted people. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
An application for FA was last received from the person concerned on 14 February 2024. The application was refused on the grounds that his household is an unqualified one for FA. The information available to my Department was that the spouse of the person in question was in paid employment and is not an exempted person within the household for the purposes of the scheme.
The person referred to was notified of the decision to refuse his application on 21 February 2024. A review was requested, however, the outcome of the review was that the application was still refused as the household circumstances had not changed. The person concerned was notified of the decision on the review on 24 April 2024.
It is open to apply again for FA at any time if his household circumstances change.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
