Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
449. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of disability allowance applications which were submitted in the period 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of applications which were successful on first processing; the number which were eventually successful following a review; the number eventually successful following an appeal, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19000/24]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
During 2023, the Department received over 28,700 new applications for DA. Over the course of the year, the Department awarded over 16,400 claims.
Where an applicant's Disability Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.
Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Where the decision was not revised by the Department, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.
The table below shows the number of DA claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:
|
Year |
Total DA Received |
Awarded by Deciding Officer* |
Allowed or partially allowed by Appeal Officers |
|
2020 |
20,671 |
15,686 |
4,057 |
|
2021 |
20,599 |
13,298 |
2,712 |
|
2022 |
26,021 |
13,817 |
2,422 |
|
2023 |
28,704 |
16,418 |
2,630 |
|
2024 to end March |
6,857 |
4,086 |
481 |
*Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
