52. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44262/15]

Fuel Allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. Only one Fuel Allowance is paid to a household.

Illness benefit is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. Illness benefit is classed as a short term scheme and as such is not a qualifying payment for a fuel allowance.