Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance or equivalent illness payment, including supplementary welfare, will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46027/23]
View answerIn order to qualify for Illness Benefit, a person must have a total of 104 PRSI contributions paid since they first entered employment. They also must have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, currently 2021, or 26 paid contributions in the relevant tax year and the previous tax year.
The person concerned made an application for Illness Benefit from 23rd September 2023. They only have 87 contributions paid and therefore do not satisfy the conditions for receipt of Illness Benefit.
The basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other schemes. Payments are means-tested and made at the discretion of the Designated Persons (DP) administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
According to Departmental records, the person concerned applied for a basic SWA on 4th October 2023. In assessing the claim, the DP sought the following information:
• Verification of address (photocopy of lease/rent book or utility bill)
• Up to date medical certificate
• Verification from course provider stating date last paid and if still registered for the course
When this information is received, the person’s claim will be progressed and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
