asked the Minister for Social Welfare why sickness benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
66.
The person referred to by the Deputy has not been receiving disability benefit since 8th September, 1976. She exhausted her title to benefit on that date as she had then received benefit for a period of 52 weeks and further benefit is not payable as she has paid less than 156 employment contributions.
67.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment assistance of only £3 is being paid to a person (name supplied) in County Offaly; and why he is not receiving the full amount of benefit.
The person concerned is not being paid the full weekly rate of unemployment assistance, which is appropriate only to a person with no means, as his weekly rate of means derived from the benefit or privilege of free or partly free board and lodgings in his father's home was assessed at £5.50 and as a result he was awarded unemployment assistance at the appropriate weekly rate of £3.05, that is the maximum weekly rate in his case, £8.55 less £5.50. His appeal against this decision has been referred to an appeals officer for consideration and when this officer's decision becomes available it will be communicated to the applicant.
68.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who applied on 18th February, 1977.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 18th February, 1977, following which it was necessary to investigate his circumstances. On the basis of this investigation a deciding officer assessed his weekly rate of means at £6.10. Unemployment assistance has now been awarded to him at the appropriate weekly rate of £2.45, that is the maximum weekly rate in his case, £8.55 less £6.10, and arrangements have been made to have him paid this week. He has been notified of the assessment of means in his case and of his right to appeal.
69.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has not been paid unemployment benefit which is due since 6th December, 1976.
The claim for unemployment benefit made by the person concerned on 6th December, 1976, was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that she did not satisfy the statutory condition which requires a claimant to be available for employment. She has been notified of this decision and of her right to appeal against it if she is dissatisfied.
70.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made regarding the claim for unemployment assistance by a person (details supplied) in County Meath who has no income, is in receipt of £10 per week home assistance and has been signing for the past 13 weeks.
The person concerned was not paid unemployment assistance on his application of 21st January, 1977, as he was not the holder of a qualification certificate, the certificate having been revoked with effect from 22nd September, 1976, on the ground that his means for unemployment assistance purposes exceeded the statutory limit which in his case was £1.302.60 per annum. In connection with his application of 21st January, 1977, the applicant appealed against this means assessment but further inquiries by a social welfare officer were deemed necessary in the case before submitting it to an appeals officer. Every effort is being made to have these inquiries finalised. As soon as the officer's report has been received it will be submitted to an appeals officer for consideration and his decision will be conveyed to the applicant without delay.
71.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be reached regarding the unemployment assistance claim of a person (details supplied) in County Meath whose only income is £80 per year which his wife earns; and if he is aware that this person has had no income other than this since 15th September, 1976.
The application for unemployment assistance made by the person concerned was disallowed on the 22nd November, 1976, with effect from 8th September, 1976, on the ground that he did not satisfy the statutory condition for the receipt of assistance which requires a person to be unemployed. The applicant has appealed against this decision and arrangments are being made for an oral hearing before an appeals officer at which it will be open to the applicant to attend and give evidence on his own behalf. He will be notified of the date, time and place of the hearing as soon as possible.