Written Answers Nos. 140-147
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15596/14]
View answerThe application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 14 January 2014.
The person was given the option of seeking a review or appealing the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, within 21 days of notification of the decision. To date neither option has been exercised.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of an appeal for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15597/14]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
145. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of deserted wives payment who are employed during school terms as both escorts and drivers of children with special needs have an entitlement to a payment for jobseeker's allowance during the holiday period when they have no earned income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15606/14]
View answerPrior to February 2012, a person in receipt of deserted wives payment, one parent family payment or widows payment could, subject to satisfying relevant criteria, also have received a half rate jobseeker's benefit in respect of periods of unemployment. This provision ceased for new applicants from 2nd February 2012.
From February 2012, a partial jobseeker's benefit may be payable in instances where a person is on a reduced rate of deserted wives payment, one parent family payment or widows payment and where the partial jobseeker's benefit payment, when combined with the other payment, does not exceed the maximum rate which would be payable on jobseeker's benefit alone.
Jobseeker's allowance is not payable concurrently with other weekly social welfare payments, including deserted wives payment, one parent family payment and widows payment.
146. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding accommodation in respect of a family (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15610/14]
View answerThe rent supplement claim for the client concerned is suspended since the 17th December due to the change of ownership on the property. The client was requested to provide information to the Department in relation to this, which has not been received since the original cessation of the claim.
The Department has no record of the medical requirements of the client's child. In order for the Department to assess a client at a rent supplement rate higher than that set by the maximum limits, supporting documentation in relation to the severity of the medical condition and needs of the child must be provided. Once received an immediate decision can be made regarding the future entitlement of the client to a rent supplement at a higher rate.
