asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a deserted wife's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who applied three months ago.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
827.
The claim of the person concerned to deserted wife's allowance-benefit has been disallowed for the reason that her husband has not wilfully refused or neglected to contribute to the support of her and of their children. It has been confirmed from the District Court that maintenance payments have been resumed and are being made on a regular basis.
The person concerned has been notified of the decision and of her right to appeal against it if she is dissatisfied with it.
828.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan applied for an unmarried mother's allowance; and when a decision will be made.
The person concerned applied for an unmarried mother's allowance in respect of herself and her child on 4 February 1983. By decision given on 16 March 1983 she was awarded the allowance at the maximum rate with effect from 13 January 1983 when the child became resident with her. An allowance order book payable from 24 March 1983 was sent to the designated post office on 22 March 1983 and she was notified accordingly.
Arrears of the allowance for the period from 13 January 1983 to 23 March 1983 have now been issued to her.
829.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan did not receive disability benefit in July 1982.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 13 July 1982. She was not entitled to payment initially as she had not the required minimum of 26 paid or credited contributions in the contribution year 1980-81 which governed her claim. According to the records of the Department she had only seven credited contributions in that period.
The claimant was requested on a number of occasions to supply details of any further contributions she may have had in 1980-81 which would qualify her for benefit. The relevant information was obtained only recently. The 45 additional paid contributions she had in that year entitle her to disability benefit at the appropriate maximum weekly rate.
Arrears of benefit due for the period 16 July, fourth day of incapacity, to 21 August 1982, after which date she was certified fit to resume work, were issued to the claimant on 23 June 1983.
830.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 9 March 1983 on the grounds that he failed to furnish particulars of his means.
He appealed against the disallowance but an appeals officer upheld the decision in his case. He has not been in touch with his local office since he last signed as unemployed on 17 May 1983.
831.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a prisoner's wife's allowance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in Dublin whose husband is serving a five-year sentence in Mountjoy.
In order to decide a prisoner's wife's allowance claim it is necessary that a local officer of the Department call on the claimant and make inquiries as to her means and circumstances. The officer called twice but failed to get a reply. On the second occasion he left a form requesting her to state a date and time on which she would be available for interview and also pointing out that failure to reply would be taken as an indication that she did not wish to pursue her claim. No response was received.
In view of the Deputy's question the case has again been referred to the officer to attempt to interview the person concerned.