asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take immediate action in regard to an insured worker (name supplied) in County Laois who had an accident on 27th June, 1971, and, because of failure of her employer to stamp her cards, has had no benefits paid and is depending on her mother who is an old age pensioner; and if, in view of the fact that this person, who is unable to work and is under medical care, was refused home assistance because the local authority express the opinion that the case is one for his Department, he will make a statement on the matter and have benefits paid immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Laois Worker.
47.
The person referred to by the Deputy in his question was paid disability benefit from 1st July, 1971, the fourth day of incapacity, to 4th December, 1971. A new benefit year commenced on Monday, 6th December, 1971, and the claimant's title to benefit from that date depended on her insurance record in the 1970-71 contribution year. She had no contributions paid and only one credited contribution in that year and accordingly was not entitled to further benefit. The position was explained to the claimant and as a result of information supplied by her the question of outstanding insurance contributions was investigated. There was considerable difficulty in establishing what employment contributions were due and it was not until recently that the exact periods of employment involved were verified. It was then established that the claimant was entitled to disability benefit from the 6th December, 1971, and a cheque in respect of arrears due from that date to the 17th April, 1972, was sent to her on the 31st May, 1972.
The claimant was examined by a medical referee of the Department on the 18th April, 1972, and he expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. A deciding officer accordingly disallowed the claim from that date and decided that the claimant was not entitled to further benefit. All benefit due from the date incapacity commenced in June, 1971, to the date when the claimant was found capable of work has, therefore, been paid.