asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of any hardship caused by the delay in time between the submission of medical certificates and the payment of social welfare benefits; and if he is satisfied that the time lapse between these is minimal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
22.
I am not aware that any hardship is caused by delay in time between the submission of medical certificates and the payment of benefit. If the Deputy is aware of any individual case of hardship I will be glad to look into it if he will let me have particulars.
I am satisfied that, in general, the time lapse between the receipt of medical certificates and the payment of benefit is minimal.
I would point out that the first medical certificate submitted in support of a claim for disability benefit is a notice of incapacity showing that the claimant was first examined on a particular date and was then incapable of work. It is not until a further certificate is received that a period of continuing incapacity for work is established for which benefit can be paid. When the second and subsequent medical certificates are received payments are issued promptly, normally on the next working day after the receipt of these certificates. Delay or irregularity in submitting medical certificates by claimants may, however, involve delay or irregularity in the payment of benefit in individual cases. It may also happen that a medical certificate, or other document, is lost in transit, or it may not be possible to identify a certificate or other relevant document because of inadequate or incorrect particulars, such as, for example, the omission of the insurance number or the giving of an incorrect insurance number. The Deputy may take it, however, that every effort is made in my Department to ensure that benefit is paid promptly and so avoid any possible hardship to claimants.
Is it a fact that benefit is not paid until the receipt of the second certificate.
That is right.
A person does not get it until ten days after he reports illness?
It would be about a week.
It would be about ten days. It is the next working day after the certificate is received. Would the Minister agree that ten days is the minimum delay?
It could be less than ten days.
It normally is ten days.
Ten days may be the maximum.
23.
andMr. G. Lynch asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any instruction has been given to employees of his Department not to reply to letters from persons who are claimants to various benefits pending determination of the claims; and, if so, the reason for such instruction.
The answer is no.