164. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has to date not received the fuel allowance. [41889/24]

Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments and persons aged over 70 with the cost of their winter heating needs. Qualification for Fuel Allowance is subject to satisfying all the relevant qualifying conditions. This year, Fuel Allowance season started on 23/09/2024.

Following a review of the person’s application it has been found that, due to a Departmental error, payments have not issued to them for the period 23/09/2024 to 15/10/2024.

This error has now been rectified and on 22/10/2024 they will be able to collect €397.00 from Inchicore Post Office – this includes €232.00 Jobseekers Allowance, €33.00 Fuel Allowance (for the period 16/10/2024 to 22/10/2024) and €132.00 Fuel Allowance arrears (for the period 23/09/2024 to 15/10/2024).

On behalf of the Department, I apologise for the delay that the person concerned experienced in the processing of their application.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.