asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid to an applicant (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit.
176.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 3 October 1980, but at the time was not entitled to payment as he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1978 contribution year which governed his claim. Subsequently, employment contributions were received for 1977 and 1978 which had the effect of qualifying him for payment. Disability benefit at the personal rate has now been paid to 30 December 1980, the date of the latest medical certificate received. If he was incapable of work beyond that date payment of benefit will be made on receipt of covering medical evidence of incapacity.
A form on which to give details of any dependants he may have has been sent to him and, on return of the form, any increase of benefit for such dependants will be paid.
The question of his entitlement to pay-related benefit is being investigated and payment, if any, due will be made on completion of these inquiries.
177.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has not been paid for the past eight weeks to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if, in view of the facts of the case, he will arrange for immediate payment of the arrears due and for the prompt payment of the weekly benefit in future.
The person concerned was paid maternity allowance for 13 weeks up to 22 November 1980 in respect of a confinement on 9 October 1980. There is no record of receipt in my Department of medical evidence of incapacity for work subsequent to 22 November 1980 until 4 February 1981 when duplicate medical certificates were received. Payment of disability benefit has now been made to 4 February 1981. Further payments will issue on receipt of continuing medical certificates of incapacity.