asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in respect of each payment of benefit, assistance or allowance administered by his Department the mode and place of payment, indicating in particular whether the personal attendance of a recipient is required to obtain payment and, if so, the place of obligatory attendance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Social Welfare Benefits.
29.
Disability, marriage and maternity benefit are paid by cheque sent by post to the claimant's home or delivered to him there or at the local agency of the Department or dispensary or other agreed place. Widows', orphans', old age and blind pensions are paid by means of pension orders encashable at the post office nominated by the pensioner. Unemployment benefit and assistance are paid in cash at the local office of the Department to those residing within six miles; otherwise, payment is made by order encashable at a post office designated by the claimant; certain islanders are paid by postal order. Children's allowances are paid by means of orders encashable at post offices or credited to a bank account.
Attendance of the recipient for payment of disability, marriage or maternity benefit is not obligatory. For any of the other payments his attendance at the place of payment is ordinarily required but it may be dispensed with for good cause such as illness.