Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
208. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability allowance, which was submitted at the end of June 2023; if she will consider that the applicant cannot get a GP appointment or avail of services until the application is approved, and will ensure that a decision is delivered at the earliest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47079/23]
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.
I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 23 March 2023. The application was examined and, based upon the evidence submitted, it was refused on 17 May 2023. This application for DA was refused as the applicant failed to supply the additional information requested on 30 March 2023.
This information was subsequently received by my Department and a review of the decision 30 March 2023 was conducted. Following this review, the person concerned was awarded DA with effect from 29 March 2023. The first payment will be made by their chosen payment method on 1 November 2023.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments (if applicable).
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 23 October 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
