The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a guardians payment (contributory) appeal, by the person concerned, was received in that office on 21st September 2012 and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence or, if required, hold an oral hearing. No appeal has been received in relation to Child Benefit from the person. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.