asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying arrears of contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford for the period 4 January to 15 August 1980.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
245.
The person concerned claimed a contributory old age pension on 25 June 1980. He was awarded a pension at the maximum single rate with effect from 4 January 1980 and a pension order book payable from 8 August 1980 was issued.
He claimed a "living alone" allowance on 2 September 1980. He was awarded this allowance also with effect from 4 January 1980 and a pension order book was issued payable from 3 October 1980.
He had been paid £518.09 by way of disability benefit for the period 4 January 1980 to 21 June 1980 pending receipt of his pension claim. This amount had to be deducted from the arrears of pension and "living alone" allowance due which over a period 4 January 1980 to 2 October 1980 amounted to £755.60.
A payable order for £237.51 in respect of the net amount of arrears due was issued on 20 November 1980.
246.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the full rate of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned is not in receipt of unemployment benefit as he does not satisfy the contribution conditions for entitlement. The reason that full rate unemployment assistance is not being paid to him is that his means have been assessed at £23.20 weekly. He is accordingly being paid at the weekly rate of £15.80 which is the maximum rate payable in a rural area to a married man with two dependent children—£39—less the value of his weekly means.
The claimant has applied to have his means re-assessed and arrangements have been made to re-investigate his case.
247.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Waterford is paid his full entitlement to unemployment benefit and pay-related benefit as soon as possible; and the weekly payments due in this case.
The person concerned is now being paid unemployment benefit at the rate of £65.20 weekly which is the maximum rate applicable to a married man with six qualified children.
The claimant is not, however, entitled to pay-related benefit as his weekly rate of unemployment benefit exceeds 85 per cent of his previous net weekly earnings.