asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
563.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 15 September 1979 to 5 January 1980. She was not entitled to payment as she had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the contribution years 1977-78 and 1978-79 which govern her claim.
564.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons why a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is receiving only £5 per week unemployment assistance and when his proper allowance will be paid to him.
The means of the person referred to by the Deputy were assessed by a recording officer at the weekly rate of £7.70 based on his share of the profits from the farm on which he resides.
He was accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £5 until 25 September 1979 after which date his rate of payment was increased to £6 which is the maximum rate applicable to a single person in a rural area—£13.70—less the value of his means.
The person concerned did not appeal against the deciding officer's assessment of means in his case. If he wishes he can now do so and a form for this purpose will be given to him at his local office.
565.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of old age pension due since February 1979 will be paid to an applicant (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The arrears due were issued on 15 February 1980. The claim was investigated on 13 February 1979 and a report was referred to the local pension committee recommending pension at the maximum rate. The committee, by their decision dated 27 July, agreed with the recommendation. A pension order book payable from 10 August was issued on 30 July. The claimant had been in receipt of payments from the Southern Health Board, and inquiries were necessary to ensure that there was no overlap of supplementary welfare allowance and pension. On 1 February it was confirmed from the health board that there was no overlap.
566.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of old age pension due for nearly nine months will be paid to an applicant (details supplied) in County Kerry.
A payable order in respect of arrears due issued to the pensioner concerned on 15 February 1980.
567.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
All unemployment benefit due to the person concerned has now been paid.
568.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of increasing the electricity allowance in winter from 300 to 500 units for recipients of a disabled person's maintenance allowance.
The estimated cost of increasing the unit allowance under the free electricity allowance scheme in the manner suggested would be £81,000 per annum.