asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give the estimated expenditure for the year ended 31 March, 1982 on the principal heads of social assistance under the Social Welfare Act, 1982, as follows:— (1) unemployment assistance (Class A); (2) unemployment assistance (Class B); (3) old age pensions; (4) blind pensions; (5) widows' pensions; (6) orphans' pension; (7) single womens' allowance; (8) supplementary welfare allowance; (9) total expenditure—100 per cent; and if he will give (10) separately, the cost of childrens' allowance.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
640.
Expenditure data is not yet available for the March quarter 1982 and as Appropriation Accounts are prepared on a calendar year basis the expenditure which is given below is in respect of the year 1981.
|
Assistance |
Expenditure |
|
£000's |
|
|
*1. +2. Unemployment Assistance |
108,846 |
|
3. Old Age Pensions |
168,183 |
|
4. Blind Pensions |
8,177 |
|
5. Widows' Pensions |
18,067 |
|
6. Orphans' Pensions |
131 |
|
7. Single Woman's Allowance |
3,153 |
|
8. Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
10,407 |
|
10. Children's Allowances |
99,105 |
|
9. Total Expenditure on all Social Assistance Schemes |
484,237 |
|
This includes £18,217,000 in respect of the cost incurred by the Department of Social Welfare and other offices in giving effect to the social assistance schemes. |
*A breakdown of expenditure on unemployment assistance as between urban and non-urban rates is not maintained.
641.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of reports that unemployment assistance payments are not arriving with recipients in the area of Slane, County Meath until the week following the week in which they were due; and if he intends to take any action to rectify this.
I am aware that instances of delay in the arrival of unemployment assistance payments in the Slane area were reported to the Drogheda Employment Exchange recently. Inquiries which were made with the postal authorities in that connection, indicate that the delay was due to the effect of the recent rail dispute. With the ending of the dispute the postal service in the area is expected to revert to normal. However, the position will continue to be monitored by the local office to ensure a satisfactory service for postal applicants.
642.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability and pay-related benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned originally claimed and was paid disability benefit in respect of an incapacity from 1 March to 6 March 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work. Payment was made on this claim at the time.
The claimant subsequently submitted a first certificate dated 8 March 1982 and inquiries were necessary to establish whether this was a new claim or a continuation of the previous incapacity. Before these inquiries were completed the South-Eastern Health Board had intimated that he was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance. Payment of benefit was accordingly withheld pending notification of the amount of the allowance received. On receipt of this information a refund was made to the health board and the balance of the benefit due to 27 March 1982, after which date he was certified fit to resume work, was issued to the claimant.
643.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability and pay-related benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned claimed benefit from 5 April 1982 in respect of an accident at work. Pending inquiries regarding the nature and origin of the incapacity he has been paid disability benefit and pay-related benefit on an interim basis from 8 April 1982, fourth day of incapacity. A cheque in payment of all benefit due to 11 May 1982 has been issued to him.
The delay in payment was due to conflicting statements made by the claimant as to the date of commencement of incapacity. It was necessary to contact the employer to ascertain the date of last employment before payment could be authorised.
On completion of the inquiries regarding the occupational accident he will be notified of the decision on his claim.
644.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability and pay-related benefits to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 27 March 1982 and a cheque in payment of all benefit due to 11 May 1982 has been issued to him. He is not entitled to pay-related benefit as his average weekly earnings in the relevant income tax year, 1980/81, were less than his entitlement by way of flat-rate disability benefit.
The delay in payment was due to inquiries necessary to ascertain the claimant's date of birth as he also claimed old age contributory pension at the same time. As disability benefit and old age pension are not payable concurrently it was necessary to establish whether he was entitled to benefit or pension before payment could be authorised. In the event he will not attain pension age until 16 June 1982 with the result that payment of disability benefit will continue up to that date if he remains incapable of work.