asked the Minister for Social Welfare why widows who become ill during employment, receive social welfare benefit at only half-rate, although full-rate contributions are paid by them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' Social Welfare Benefit.
13.
In accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare Overlapping Benefits Regulations, 1953, a widow in receipt of a widow's contributory pension who qualifies for disability benefit is paid half the appropriate personal rate of disability benefit; if her pension is non-contributory, the rate of benefit payable depends on the rate of the pension and can range from half of the appropriate personal rate of disability benefit to as much as the full rate plus appropriate adjustments in respect of any dependent children.
It is a general principle of a 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.
Would the Minister say if this concession can be extended to ensure that they get full rate benefits as they pay full rate contributions or else reduce the contributions they make as they are only receiving half benefit?
I do not think either of the Deputy's suggestions would be a desirable change to make. I think the concession that is extended is a reasonable one in this case. It is a general principle that only one benefit shall be payable at one time and the whole social insurance scheme is based on that principle.
The widow's pension is granted on her late husband's insurance.
Could the Minister say how many approximately would be involved?
I have not got that information. Possibly it would not be a very considerable number, but I do not think it is a principle that should be adopted.
Would the Minister, in the legislation which he proposes to bring in in respect of social welfare, contemplate increasing the proportion which is now paid?
I do not think there is a particularly good case for it. After all, there are many people who pay contributions in respect of benefits from which they are unlikely themselves ever to benefit.
These are widows. They would qualify.
For instance, a single man pays the full rate of contribution and he is not likely to leave a widow to benefit from the social welfare provisions for widows.
These are qualified. They are widows and they are sick.
Yes, but during the time they are in insurable employment, they are actually in receipt of the full rate of pension.
Surely it is the amount of money they require to live on that counts?