asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in Cappoquin, County Waterford.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
355.
The person concerned attained 66 years on 24 November 1981 and claimed old age contributory pension from my Department on 30 November 1981. He was awarded a pension at the maximum rate appropriate to a married man with effect from 27 November 1981. A pension order book containing orders valid for payment from 29 January 1982 issued to the designated post office on 20 January 1982 for collection by him.
The arrears due for the period from 27 November 1981 to 28 January 1982 were paid direct to the claimant by payable order on 18 June 1982. The delay in the payment of the arrears was due to an administrative error.
358.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in Waterford.
The person concerned last claimed unemployment assistance on 28 June 1982 and arrangements have been made to pay all unemployment assistance due on Wednesday, 7 July 1982. Further payment will be made as weekly payments become due. No undue delay, therefore, appears to have occured in the processing of this unemployment assistance claim.
However, the person concerned has applied for a reassessment of his means which are currently assessed at £35.50 weekly. When the necessary inquiries are completed the assessment of his means will be reviewed by a deciding officer.
359.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in Dungarvan, County Waterford.
The person concerned has been claiming disability benefit from 1 January 1982 but he is not entitled to payment as he has no contributions to his credit in 1980-81, the contribution year governing his claim. On inquiry it was ascertained that he had been employed from 1972 to January 1982 but that the employer, who has since died, failed to pay the social insurance contributions due in respect of him for that period. The local social welfare officer is dealing with the representatives of the employer in an effort to obtain payment of the outstanding contributions. When these inquiries have been completed the claimant's disability benefit claim will be reviewed.