asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway does not receive disability benefit.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
683.
The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit continuously from February 1978 to 9 January 1982, after which date payment ceased following examination on 18 December 1981 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He was subsequently examined by a different medical referee on 5 April 1982 when he was again considered capable of work.
The claimant was advised of his right to appeal and he was supplied with a form on which to set out the grounds of appeal if he wishes his case to be referred to an appeals officer. The completed form has not so far been returned to my Department.
693.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason old age and blind pensions have been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when they will be restored; and if he will treat this matter as urgent.
A reinvestigation of the claim of the person concerned has disclosed that his means have increased since old age pension was originally awarded to him and are now in excess of the upper means limit of £38 a week. As a result a question for revocation of his pension has been raised and is at present before the local pension committee for decision. Pension has been suspended pending the committee's decision.
697.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid an old age pension at the maximum rate as it has been approved by the local old age pension committee.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned has only been entitled to an old age pension at the rate of £20.35 a week plus £10.25 adult dependant allowance from 22 January 1982 and £28.45 a week plus £14.30 adult dependent allowance from 2 April 1982. His means, consisting of half the weekly value of holdings of which he is in beneficial occupation and capital, entitle him to pension at these rates.
698.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be granted a contributory or non-contributory old age pension.
The person concerned has had no record of social insurance since 1952 and does not qualify for a contributory old age pension.
His entitlement to a non-contributory old age pension has been investigated and the social welfare officer has recommended pension at the reduced weekly rate of £19.70 from 18 February 1982, increased to £29.75 from 2 April 1982.
A pension book, payable from 2 April 1982 has been issued provisionally pending the local pension committee's decision and arrears due are in course of issue.
699.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not receiving a widow's pension at the full rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned is in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension at a reduced rate on the basis of her means assessed on the yearly value of a substantial amount of capital.
Following receipt of representations on her behalf from the Deputy, for an increase in her widow's pension, her circumstances are now being further investigated and a decision will be given without delay when the inquiries have been completed.
700.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) has not received his old age pension; and when it will be paid.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned was not entitled to any pension from 23 September 1981 when he submitted his claim, to 15 February 1982 because his means, derived from a holding and capital exceeded the statutory limit during that period. The holding was however transferred by deed of transfer dated 15 February 1982 and the appeals officer awarded maximum rate of pension after that date.
A pension order book at the rate of £34.45 a week payable from 2 April 1982 has been issued and arrears due from 16 February 1982 are being issued separately.