68. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a fuel allowance payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38738/15]

The National Fuel Scheme (fuel allowance) applies to persons in receipt of long term Social Welfare payments. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted people. Full details of the qualifying criteria for the scheme are available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.

On 25 August 2011, the department received a claim for fuel allowance from the person concerned. The weekly household means were assessed as being in excess of the allowable weekly income limit. The application for fuel allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person concerned was notified of the decision and the reasons for it on 08 November 2011. If there has been any change in circumstances since the date of decision, he should contact invalidity pension section and an application form will issue to him.