Michael McNamara
Question:637. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54285/22]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
637. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54285/22]
View answerThe 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. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.
The person concerned applied for Fuel allowance on 28 September 2022. Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means were €667.72 which exceeded the permissible weekly means of €600.30 for the household. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on the 27 October 2022.
From January 2023, there will be a new means threshold for people aged 70 and over, of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple.
The arrangements for applications under the new Fuel Allowance criteria will be announced later in the year.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.