Fuel Allowance

Means test for Fuel Allowance

Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment. If you are getting a non-contributory payment you are accepted as satisfying the means-test unless you are also getting a half-rate contributory payment (such as Illness Benefit, Jobseeker's Benefit or Injury Benefit) in addition to the non‑contributory payment (such as One-Parent Family Payment).
The Fuel Allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory). You can have a combined weekly income of €100 above the maximum State Pension (Contributory) for your situation and still be eligible for a Fuel Allowance. This means that you can have capital of up to €58,000 (equivalent to €100 a week under the <capital means assessment rules> and be eligible for a Fuel Allowance.
For example:
The assessable income limit for a single person under 80 is €330.30 (€100 plus €230.30);
The assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is under 66) is €483.80 (€100 plus €230.30 plus €153.50)
The assessable income limit for a couple (where the qualified adult is 66 or over) is €536.60 (€100 plus €230.30 plus €206.30)
If you are over 80, add an extra €10 to the appropriate DSP payment rate.

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