asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
72.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 25 June 1985 and following inquiries her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she was not available for employment. She did not appeal against the disallowance although she was advised of her right to do so. She has not been in touch with her local office since 20 September 1985 when she last signed as unemployed.
73.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned is in receipt of a social assistance allowance at the weekly rate of £54.40 in addition to disability benefit at the weekly rate of £19.75 — total £74.15.
Regulations provide that an invalidity pension cannot be paid in addition to a social assistance allowance. If the person concerned were transferred to invalidity pension it would be paid to her at the weekly rate of £55.75 and both her social assistance allowance and disability benefit would cease to be paid to her. She would therefore have a cash reduction of £18.40 per week in her income from the Department if she were transferred to the pension. Invalidity pensioners are entitled to a free travel pass. Some such pensioners are also entitled to a free electricity allowance, free (black and white) television licence and free telephone rental allowance. The position has been explained to the person concerned and she has been requested to say whether, in the circumstances, she wishes to be transferred to invalidity pension.
74.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have disability benefit paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 19 March 1984 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 19 March 1984 to 11 February 1985, the date of the latest medical certificate before him. The decision of the appeals officer is final and can only be altered in the light of new facts or fresh evidence. The person concerned has not submitted medical evidence of incapacity for work subsequent to 12 March 1985.
75.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 4 June 1983. Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. Arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee on 5 November 1985. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
76.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned withdrew his claim for a non-contributory old age pension on 29 April 1985. He subsequently claimed a contributory old age pension and this has been awarded to him with effect from 5 July 1985, i.e. the Friday following his 66th birthday.
A pension book containing orders payable from 25 October 1985 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. Arrears of pension from 5 July 1985 to 24 October 1985, less the amount of supplementary welfare paid to him in respect of this period, will be issued to him within the next few days.
77.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford even though she had the required contributions.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 12 December 1983 and payment was issued to 5 January 1985 based on her contributions record in the 1981-82 and 1982-83 contribution years.
She is not entitled to payment of benefit from 7 January 1985 as she has less than the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in the 1983-84 contribution year which governs her claim from that date.
According to the records of the Department she has only 18 contributions recorded on her behalf in the 1983-84 contribution year.
78.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 18 February 1985.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. In order that a person may be considered permanently incapable of work, it is necessary for him to, inter alia, have been continuously incapable of work for a period of one year. Therefore the earliest date on which the claimant can qualify for invalidity pension is 18 February 1986. In addition it will be necessary to have him examined by a medical referee for an opinion as to his future capacity for work.
79.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 12 June 1985 and his claim was put into payment on the basis of a qualification certificate issued to him on 1984 which recorded him as having means of £20.75 weekly, derived from board and lodging in his mother's home and from the maintenance portion of a student grant.
He was therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £9.20 being the appropriate rate in his case of £29.95 less means of £20.75 increased to £11 from 3 July 1985 being the appropriate rate of £31.75 less means of £20.75.
He recently appealed against the means assessment but due to the lapse of time the appeal was not acceptable. It is however, open to him to have his means reviewed for the period of his claim in 1985 and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office. He has ceased signing at his local office since 21 September 1985.
80.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned was refused old age pension on 30 May 1983 as the assessment of his means comprising the weekly value of capital and income from a holding exceeded the statutory limit for entitlement to pension. The Deputy's representations have been accepted as a repeat claim to old age pension. The case is being referred to the social welfare officer for investigation. On completion of inquiries a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
81.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Following reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at £96.10 weekly derived from profit from his holding. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £16.35 being the appropriate rate in his case of £112.45 less means of £96.10. He recently appealed against the means assessment and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
82.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 2 August 1980.
To determine his entitlement to invalidity pension arrangements are being made to have him examined by a medical referee. His entitlement to the pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of that examination.
83.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
An appeals officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £5.75 weekly, derived from profit from his holding. He is therefore entitled to unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £53.65 from 30 January 1985 being the appropriate rate in his case of £59.40 less means of £5.75, increased to £57.20 from 3 July 1985 being the appropriate rate of £62.95 less means of £5.75.
All arrears due were issued to him on 26 September 1985 and weekly payments are continuing as they become due. He recently applied for a review of his means and the case has been referred to a social welfare officer for investigation. When these inquiries are completed, his means will be reviewed and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him determined accordingly.
84.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
The person concerned claimed a contributory old age pension on 24 September 1985. He has been awarded this pension from 13 September 1985, i.e. the Friday following his 66th birthday. A pension book containing orders payable from 1 November 1985 has been issued to the designated post office for collection by him and he has been notified accordingly. Arrears of pension for the period 13 September 1985 to 31 October 1985, less the amount of supplementary welfare paid to him for this period, will be forwarded to him by payable order within the next few days.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.
It has been decided that the person concerned is not entitled to old age pension on the grounds that he does not fulfil the statutory conditions as to means. The assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of income from the letting of a holding and capital, exceed the statutory limit for entitlement to pension.
86.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a maternity grant will be made payable to a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
The person concerned claimed maternity benefit on 9 October 1985 in respect of her confinement on 26 September 1985. Payment of benefit at the weekly rate of £71.05 was authorised on 22 October 1985. A cheque for £639.45 which represents benefit from 2 September 1985 to 2 November 1985 issued to her on 30 October 1985. Payment of benefit will continue to issue on a weekly basis until 7 December 1985 when her entitlement to benefit ceases.
87.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive a non-contributory old age pension.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to an old age pension at the weekly rate of £40 from 31 May 1985. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of the weekly value of a holding. The appropriate ate pension book payable from 18 October 1985 issued on 21 October 1985. A payable order covering arrears of pension due for the period 31 May 1985 to 17 October 1985 has since been issued.
88.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for disability benefit will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 28 September 1985, after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinioin that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have him examined by a different medical referee as soon as possible. His entitlement to benefit will then be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
89.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow is not in receipt of the maximum rate of unemployment assistance.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £38.45, effective from 5 July 1984, derived from self employment. He was advised of his right to appeal against the means assessment, if dissatisfied, but he did not appeal. The time allowed for an appeal has now expired but it is still open to him to request a review of his case if he feels that his means have changed. A form for this purpose may be obtained at his local office. He is at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at £67.80 weekly being the appropriate rate in his case of £106.25 less means of £38.45.
90.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for a disability benefit will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 13 June 1983. He was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of his claim as he had no contributions registered in 1981-82, the contribution year governing his claim. He had 52 paid contributions in the 1982-83 contribution year which governed his claim from 2 January 1984 and accordingly he requalified for payment of benefit from that date. Payment has been issued to 28 December 1984 the date on which he submitted a final medical certificate.
The person concerned has not appealed any aspect of the case and as payment of benefit was not at any stage disallowed there are no grounds for appeal.
91.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and the reason the social welfare officer insists that details of members of applicant's family are relevant to the case.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish particulars of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance of his claim but an appeals officer also decided that he failed to disclose his means.
In accordance with the provision of the legislation governing the unemployment assistance scheme the value of any benefit or privilege derived by an applicant from any source must be taken into account in the assessment of means.
The person concerned failed to disclose details of his father's earnings and also details requested from him regarding his grandfather's holding, both of which were considered by the investigating officer to be relevant to the claimant's circumstances.
If he now agrees to disclose all aspects of his means, arrangements will be made to have him interviewed again by a social welfare officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him. He last signed at his local office on 12 March 1985.
92.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason there has been such an inordinate delay in dealing with an appeal against the non-payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The appeal of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that by failing to furnish financial particulars of his domestic circumstances, he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. Notification to this effect was issued to him on 25 September 1985.
The person concerned has failed to co-operate in the investigation of his means despite being afforded a number of opportunities to do so. However, if he is now prepared to fully disclose details of his means, he should inform his local office and arrangements will be made for a social welfare officer to call on him for the purpose of investigating his means. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined in the light of the means assessed against him.
93.
Mr. Coughlan
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of unemployment benefit, due under EC regulations, will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned exhausted her maximum entitlement of 312 days unemployment benefit on 6 March 1985. All benefit due to her has been paid and there are no arrears due under EC regulations. She may requalify for unemployment benefit when she has a further 13 weeks of insurable employment at the appropriate rate.
94.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason he was only granted £6.60 per week; and how his means were assessed.
The person concerned was assessed with effect from 9 July 1984 with means of £86.55 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against the decision and an appeals officer also assessed his means at £86.55 weekly. Accordingly, he is in receipt of unemployment assistance at £19.70 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £106.25 less means of £86.55.
In the absence of fresh evidence or new facts the decision of an appeals officer is final. However, if he feels that his circumstances have changed, it is open to the person concerned to request a review of his means and a form for this purpose can be obtained at his local office.
95.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment benefit has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and when a decision will be made in this case.
A person who has exhausted entitlement to unemployment benefit cannot requalify for benefit until she has a further 13 weeks of employment which is insurable at a contribution class which provides cover against unemployment. Any weeks of insurable employment after 156 days of benefit have been drawn are counted for this purpose. The person concerned exhausted her entitlement to 312 days unemployment benefit on 7 March 1984.
She was employed by her daughter on a part time basis from 30 August 1984 to 4 December 1984 and on a full time basis to 3 February 1985. She resumed part time working on 4 February 1985 and she claimed unemployment benefit for the remaining three days a week.
Inquiries had to be made to ascertain whether the employment with her daughter was insurable at the appropriate contribution rate for the purpose of requalifying for unemployment benefit. When these inquiries were completed it was established that her employment was not insurable at a contribution class which provides cover against unemployment and accordingly her claim to unemployment benefit from 4 February 1985 was disallowed. She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have her case determined by an appeals officer at the earliest available opportunity. Her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
96.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made for an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon in respect of disability benefit; and if he will treat this as a matter of urgency.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 1 July 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
He appealed against the disallownace and was examined by a different medical referee on 19 August 1985 who considered him to be incapable of work from 1 July 1985. Payment was restored from 26 August 1985 but arrears payable from 1 July were witheld pending confirmation by the Western Health Board that supplementary welfare allowance was not advanced to him during this period. This was confirmed on 25 September 1985 and all arrears payable were issued to him on the following day. All benefit payable to the person concerned has been issued to date.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an application for a single woman's allowance will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
The person concerned claimed single woman's allowance on 12 September 1985 and her case was referred to the social welfare officer for investigation of her means. This investigation has now been completed and her entitlement to single woman's allowance will be determined shortly.
98.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an appeal for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will arrange that this matter be given priority in view of the poor financial circumstances of the family concerned.
An appeals officer has assessed the means of the person concerned at £40 weekly, derived from benefit from his wife's earnings. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £19.40 weekly being the appropriate rate in his case of £59.40 less £40 means from 20 March 1985 to 2 July 1985 increased from 3 July 1985 to £22.95 weekly, being the appropriate rate in his case of £62.95 less means of £40. All arrears due to him will be paid next week and weekly payments of £22.95 will continue to be made as they become due.
99.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork did not receive disability benefit for the past four weeks; and when she will be paid.
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability benefit since 3 May 1985 and is currently paid to 18 October 1985, date of the latest medical evidence received.
There was a break in the issue of payments for the period 31 July 1985 to 24 September 1985 as no medical evidence was submitted for that period. The person concerned subsequently submitted medical certificates on 3 October in respect of the period in question and all arrears of disability benefit and pay-related benefit have now been issued.
100.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been signing on for two months for unemployment benefit has not yet been paid; and the reason for the undue delay.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work. The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 26 September 1985 and inquiries had to be made to establish that she fulfilled the condition of being available for work before her entitlement to unemployment benefit could be determined.
These inquiries were recently completed and her claim has now been allowed at the weekly flat rate of unemployment benefit of 34.70 being the appropriate rate applicable to a married woman. She is a postal claimant for unemployment benefit and arrangements have been made to issue to her this week an order for encashment at her local post office paying all arrears of unemployment benefit due.
101.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a single woman's allowance has been refused to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary as she has no income; when it will be paid; and the amount which will be paid.
The person concerned claimed single woman's allowance on 27 March 1985 and a deciding officer decided that she was not entitled to payment of the allowance as her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit. Her claim has now been forwarded to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation of her means and her entitlement to the allowance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of these investigations.
102.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when arrears of a disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 15 July 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She has not indicated to the Department that she wishes to appeal the decision to disallow payment and she has not submitted medical evidence of incapacity for work subsequent to 1 July 1985.
103.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the means which were assessed against a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in connection with his applicaiton for unemployment assistance, having regard to the fact that due to the long delay on the part of his Department in notifying him of the decision he stopped signing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 13 November 1984 when he ceased signing due to illness. His means were subsequently investigated on a factual basis and he was assessed from 20 March 1985 with means of £50 weekly but to date has not reapplied for unemployment assistance.
104.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a non-contributory old age pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to old age pension at the weekly rate of £61.90 from 6 September 1985 which includes adult dependant allowance of £14.10 and dependant child allowance of £19.80. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means consisting of half the weekly value of a holding less statutory deductions for two qualified children. The appropriate pension books payable from 4 October 1985 issued on 30 October 1985. Arrears of pension due are in the course of issue.
105.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare in the case of an unemployment assistance application from persons (details supplied) in County Wexford, the reason the means test was based on a notional income assessment over a five year period and not accepted on the factual basis as agreed with the appeals officer that he had no means for 1984 calendar year.
The assessment of the means for unemployment assistance of the person concerned was carried out on a factual basis in accordance with the provisions of the legislation as there is no provision in the legislation providing for assessment of means on a notional basis.
The person concerned was assessed with means of £51.20 weekly derived from the profit from his holding. He appealed against this assessment and following an oral hearing of his case an appeals officer assessed his means at £25 weekly with effect from 10 August 1984. All arrears due were paid to him on 19 September 1985. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance from 10 August 1984 at £43.15 weekly being the appropriate rate £68.15 less means £25 increased to £47.25 from 3 July 1985 being the appropriate rate £72.25 less means £25. He last signed at his local office on 27 July 1985.