asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that an applicant (name supplied), Insurance No. 792140, being a widow in receipt of a contributory pension of 37/6d. per week but paying social welfare contributions at the full rate, received disability benefit at the reduced rate of 18/9d. in a recent sickness claim; and whether, in view of the low rate of the widows' pension and the fact that the beneficiary is paying full social welfare contributions, he will consider amending the regulations or provisions which operate to reduce benefits in this case and similar cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduced Disability Payment.
22.
In accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare Overlapping Benefits Regulations, 1953, the claimant in question is entitled to only half the appropriate rate of disability benefit.
It is an underlying principle of the comprehensive scheme of insurance against sickness, unemployment and widowhood that only one of those benefits should be payable to any one person at any time. As a special concession provision was made in the Regulations I have mentioned for payment of disability or unemployment benefit at a reduced rate to widows in insurable employment. It is not proposed to alter these Regulations.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware the rates of widows' non-contributory pensions have been increased as from the 1st of this month and the rates of contributory pension, as well as the rates of disability and unemployment benefit and old age contributory pension are being increased from the 3rd January, 1964.