asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of a non-contributory old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Louth.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
227.
The person concerned withdrew his claim to non-contributory old age pension on 4 October 1984. There is no trace of receipt of a further claim to pension from him.
228.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of arrears of invalidity pension due to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and when the arrears will be paid.
Arrears of invalidity pension due for the period from 7 November 1985 to 19 February 1986 less the amount of disability benefit paid during that period have been issued to the person concerned on 19 March 1986.
229.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Louth was refused disability benefit for six weeks on the basis that he was notified to attend for medical examination by a medical referee; if she is aware that no such notification was received by him; and when benefit and arrears will be paid.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed for the statutory period of six weeks from 14 March 1986 as he failed to attend for examination by a medical referee of the Department. However, it has been established that no notification of the examination was issued to the person concerned due to an administrative error. Payment of benefit was restored on 3 April 1986.
All disability benefit payable to 31 March 1986, the date of the latest medical certificate received, has been issued to him, less £140 refund to the North-Eastern Health Board in respect of supplementary welfare allowance paid.
230.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on an application for unemployment benefit or assistance of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
An applicant for unemployment benefit who is a landholder but does not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period, is not entitled to unemployment benefit if the income from his holding exceeds £2 daily. The person concerned is a landholder who did not satisfy the contribution condition of having 78 paid contributions in a three year period. The profit from his holding was deemed to exceed £2 daily and accordingly his claim for unemployment benefit from 21 November 1985 was disallowed.
He also claimed unemployment assistance from 21 November 1985 and inquiries had to be made to establish whether he fulfilled the condition of being available for work before his claim could be determined. Following completion of these inquiries his claim for unemployment assistance was also disallowed, on the grounds that he was not available for employment. He was advised of his right to appeal against the disallowances but to date has failed to do so. He ceased to sign at his local office after 4 March 1986.
231.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an increase in the rate of pension will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned is in receipt of old age contributory pension since 22 May 1981 at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 20 contributions during the relevant period which, in his case, is the period from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1981. He had a total of 572 in this 28 year period. In the circumstances it would not be possible to award him an increase in his weekly rate of pension.
232.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding a claim for an old age pension on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The old age pension case of the person concerned is at present under investigation. On completion of inquiries the case will be referred to a deciding officer for decision. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay.
233.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is subject to the condition that an applicant must be available for and genuinely seeking employment. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance on 21 January 1986 but his claim was disallowed on the grounds that he was not available for and genuinely seeking employment. He appealed against the disallowance on 20 March 1986 and arrangements are being made to have his case submitted to an appeals officer for determination, at the earliest available opportunity. His entitlements to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
234.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned claimed an old age contributory pension on 3 January 1986. His claim could not be processed at that time as he was unable to supply his social insurance number. Following correspondence with the claimant the number has since been traced and he has been awarded the pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 22 contributions with effect from 13 December 1985, that is the Friday following his 66th birthday. His yearly average is based on his total of 715 contributions over the period from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1985. An old age contributory pension book containing orders payable from 4 April 1986 was issued to the designated post office on 2 April 1986 and he was notified accordingly. His entitlement to a living alone allowance is being investigated. Arrears of old age contributory pension for the period from 13 December 1985 to 3 April 1986 will be issued direct to him by payable order in the next few days.
235.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when unemployment assistance will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Following a review, 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 has not, to date, appealed against the disallowance although it is open to him to do so. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
236.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be awarded unemployment assistance payments in view of the fact he has no income other than supplementary welfare allowance from the health board.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, he was assessed with means of £77.85 weekly, derived from self-employment. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance of £1.65 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £79.50 less means of £77.85. Arrangements have been made with his local office to commence payment this week. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
If the person concerned is dissatisfied with the amount of means assessed against him, it is open to him to appeal and have his means determined by an appeals officer. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
237.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who is in receipt of a non-contributory old age pension is entitled to a contributory old age pension and when inquiries in this regard will be completed.
The person concerned submitted a claim for contributory old age pension on 2 January 1985. He reached old age pension age of 66 years on 15 April 1985. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of this pension requires a person to have a yearly average of at least 20 reckonable contributions over the period from the beginning of the 1953 contribution year or from his year of entry into insurance, whichever is the later, to the end of the last complete contribution year before reaching pension age. The Department's records show that the person concerned had a total of 552 reckonable contributions in the relevant period which, in his case, is from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1985. This is equal to a yearly average of only 17 and is not sufficient to qualify for a contributory old age pension under the Social Welfare Acts.
He had entitlement to a pro rata pension under EC regulations, based on the number of his Irish contributions in proportion to his combined British and Irish total in the relevant period. However, the pro rata pension was not paid to him as he qualified for a non-contributory old age pension at a higher weekly rate. Following a recent investigation his means were re-assessed and based on this his non-contributory pension would be reduced from £33.10 to £18 per week. Since his current pro rata pension entitlement is £31.60 per week he has been asked to return his non-contributory pension book to the Department and when this is done a contributory old age pension book containing orders payable at the rate of £31.60 per week will be issued to the designated post office for collection by him. He is also in receipt of a British retirement pension.
238.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployment assistance payments will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in view of the fact he has no income other than supplementary welfare allowance payments from the health board; and when his appeal will be finalised.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceed the maximum rate of unemployment assistance payable to him. He appealed against the disallowance on 3 March 1986 and arising from contentions made in support of his appeal the papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries are completed his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination, at the earliest available opportunity, and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
239.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will give details of the outcome of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway against the decision to reduce unemployment assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit applicable in his case. He appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries, which are necessarily extensive in this case, are completed, the papers will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of means, at the earliest available opportunity. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
240.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the results of investigations following a claim by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7, for unemployment benefit.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a person must have at least 26 contributions at the appropriate class paid or credited in the governing contribution year.
According to the Department's records the person concerned has no contributions paid on her behalf during the contribution period 6 April 1984 to 5 April 1985, which governs her claim for unemployment benefit from 14 January 1986. The apparent non-payment of contributions by her employer is at present under investigation and when these inquiries, which will be completed as soon as possible, are completed, her entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed.
241.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will arrange to have the appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath heard as quickly as possible.
The person concerned has been disallowed payment of disability benefit from 12 March 1986 following an examination on 4 March 1986 by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She was notified of the disallowance and of her right to appeal against it but no reply has been received from her to date. The Deputy's question has been taken as an appeal against the disallowance and arrangements are being made to have the person concerned examined by a second medical referee. Her case will be reviewed in the light of his opinion.
242.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £34.60 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance of £44.90 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £79.50 less means of £34.60. All arrears due to the person concerned were paid on 11 March 1986 and further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
243.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will increase the amount of unemployment assistance paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick to the maximum rate.
Following reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were assessed at nil, with effect from 6 November 1985. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £72.25 and all adjusting arrears due from 6 November 1985 have recently been paid to him. Further weekly payments of £72.25 will continue to be made as they become due. The delay, which was due to an oversight, in making payment at the maximum rate is regretted.
244.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people who have applied for the family income supplement in County Clare; the number and average amount per week which is being paid.
Approximately 200 people applied for family income supplement in County Clare up to the end of March 1986. Approximately 90 cases are in payment in that county at present and the average weekly amount is approximately £7. The weekly amounts will increase from 10 April 1986 when the budget increases commence.
Question No. 245 withdrawn.
246.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an oral hearing can now be arranged as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin for determination of her social welfare appeal for disability benefit; the applicant continues to be certified as ill by her doctor and has been referred for operative treatment by an orthopaedic surgeon; if, in view of her financial need an oral hearing can now be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the present position of her application.
Payment of disability benefit was disallowed to the person concerned from 11 November 1985 following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was referred for another examination by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her claim was then referred to an appeals officer for determination. The appeals officer proposes to hold an oral hearing on Tuesday, 8 April 1986.
247.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason the rate of unemployment assistance payable to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was reduced.
Following a recent reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim, the means of the person concerned were assessed at £2.85 weekly, derived from self-employment. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £30.95 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £33.80 less means of £2.85. It is open to the person concerned to appeal against the means assessment, if dissatisfied, and a form for this purpose may be obtained at his local employment office. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
248.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Laois is entitled to pay-related benefit.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 21 November 1985 and is at present in receipt of £85 weekly, which is the maximum rate payable in respect of a married man with two children. Pay-related benefit is calculated on the basis of reckonable weekly earnings during the relevant tax year. The person concerned has insufficient earnings during the income tax period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984, which is the relevant period in respect of his claim, to entitle him to pay-related benefit.
249.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal will be heard on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is married with one child and is being paid unemployment assistance.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit during the period 10 December 1984 to 13 March 1986 and received the maximum entitlement of 390 days payment. Following investigation his unemployment assistance claim was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from the benefit from his wife's earnings, exceeded the maximum rate payable in his case. He appealed against this decision on 11 March 1986 and arrangements have been made to refer his case to an appeals officer for determination, at the earliest available opportunity. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.
250.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has still not been notified when an oral hearing will be held concerning his old age pension.
The oral hearing of the appeal in this case has been fixed for Thursday, 17 April next and the person concerned has been notified of the arrangements.
251.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is in receipt of the correct rate of unemployment assistance; and if she will arrange to pay all arrears due to him.
Following investigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned, he was assessed with means of £9.85 weekly, derived from the benefit of board and lodging in his parents home. He is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance of £21.90 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £31.75, less means of £9.85. Weekly payments commenced on 11 March 1986 and all arrears of unemployment assistance due to him were refunded to the health board in lieu of the supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him pending a decision on his claim.
252.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 25 February 1980 and payment was issued to 14 September 1985. Payment was disallowed from 16 September 1985 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed against the disallowance and was examined by a different medical referee who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. Her case was then referred to an appeals officer who upheld the decision to disallow payment of disability benefit from 16 September 1985 to 26 February 1986, 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.
253.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an invalidity pension has not yet been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when this will be granted.
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 the person concerned examined by a medical referee. His entitlement to invalidity pension will be reviewed in the light of the report of this examination.
254.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been granted only £24.30 on unemployment assistance; how his income has been calculated at £38 per week as he has no income and is almost destitute; if this decision could be reinvestigated; and, if so, when.
The person concerned appealed against the means assessment of his unemployment assistance claim and an appeals officer, following an oral hearing of the case on 25 February 1986 assessed his means at £38.45 weekly, derived from self-employment as a cabinet maker. In accordance with the provisions of the legislation governing the unemployment assistance scheme the income from self-employment of the person concerned, in the absence of other means for ascertaining it, was taken by a deciding officer to be the income received during the year immediately preceding the date of calculation. This was deemed to be £4,000. The appeals officer however following the oral hearing of the case assessed his earnings at £2,000 per annum or £38.45 weekly. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £24.50 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £62.95 less means of £38.45. Weekly payments commenced last week and all arrears due were refunded to the health board in lieu of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him.
An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
255.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a decision has yet been made on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny against the decision to refuse him unemployment assistance.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from self-employment, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.
The inquiries were completed last week and the papers have been submitted to an appeals officer for determination of means, at the earliest possible date. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
256.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has yet been made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny against the refusal of her Department to continue his claim for unemployment assistance.
Following a review, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means, derived from benefit from his wife's earnings and benefit from his father's holding, exceeded the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and arising from contentions made in support of his appeal the papers were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When these inquiries, which it is anticipated will be completed shortly, are completed, his case will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination, at the earliest available opportunity. The entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.
257.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the change in circumstances in connection with unemployment benefit of a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be reinvestigated; and the present position on the matter.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned she was assessed with means of £22.70 weekly, derived from the value of capital. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance of £11.10 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £33.80 less means of £22.70. If the person concerned considers that her means have changed it is open to her to apply to have them reviewed. A form for this purpose may be obtained at her local office.
258.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet been paid unemployment assistance; and the reason for the delay by the social welfare officer in calling to investigate her circumstances.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions including an assessment of means.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of means. The inquiries, which were necessarily extensive, were completed in February 1986 and the person concerned was requested, twice, to provide her birth certificate but she failed to do this until 25 March 1986. Her means were then assessed at £20 weekly derived from the benefit of board and lodgings in a relative's home. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £12.75 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £32.75 less means of £20. Weekly payments commenced last week and further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.
The person concerned was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of her claim and when the amount advanced has been ascertained, the remainder of arrears, if any, will be paid to her.
259.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Clare for social assistance will be completed.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed from 6 November 1985 on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of his means he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit. He appealed against the disallowance and indicated a willingness to co-operate with the social welfare officer in the disclosure of his means.
Following the completion of inquiries by the social welfare officer a deciding officer revised the previous decision and assessed his means at nil, with effect from 6 November 1985. He is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £124.85 and weekly payments will commence this week.
The person concerned was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his appeal and when the amount to be refunded to the health board is known, the remainder of the arrears, if any, will be paid to him. Further weekly payments of £124.85 will continue to be made as they become due.
260.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the appeal for smallholders assistance will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
Following reinvestigation of the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned he was assessed with means of £21.95 weekly, derived from the profit from his holding and from the value of capital. He is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £36.40 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in his case of £58.35 less means of £21.95. The person concerned has not appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and it is open to him to do so. A form for this purpose may be obtained from his local office.
261.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the application for entitlement to unemployment assistance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be reviewed and a decision reached as soon as possible.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance and his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of means. It is hoped to complete the inquiries within two weeks, and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will then be determined in the light of the outcome. It is understood that the person concerned is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
262.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will expedite payment of unemployment assistance and arrears for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Following reinvestigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit, from 12 August 1985.
He applied on 17 February 1986 to have his means reviewed but unfortunnately his papers were lost in postal transit. A further form to enable him to apply for a review of his means has been issued to him by his local office and on return of same his papers will be referred to a social welfare officer for reinvestigation. When these inquiries, which will be completed as quickly as possible, are completed, his means will be assessed by a deciding officer and his entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed accordingly. The delay in this case is regretted.
263.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 was discontinued; and if she will arrange that such payments are recommenced and that all arrears due are paid having regard to the fact that he is unemployed and has a dependent wife and five dependent children at home and currently has no income.
The unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that his means derived from self-employment, exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed on 13 March 1986 against the disallowance of his claim and arising from contentions made by him in support of his appeal the case was returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries. When the inquiries, which will be completed as soon as possible, are completed, the papers will be submitted to an appeals officer for determination of means at the earliest available opportunity, and the entitlement of the person concerned to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome. It is understood that he is at present in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance.
264.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will arrange to pay arrears of unemployment benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Payment of unemployment benefit to the person concerned was suspended from 7 November 1985, pending clarification of the rate of contribution appropriate to his employment during the contribution period 6 April 1983 to 5 April 1984 which governed his entitlement to unemployment benefit from the date of his claim, 4 October 1985.
These inquiries were recently completed and it has been established that the employment was insurable at a class that provides cover against unemployment. Arrears of benefit for the period 7 November 1985 to 25 January 1986, when he last signed the unemployed register, are being withheld pending verification from the health board of the amount of supplementary welfare allowance paid to him pending a decision on his claim. When this information is received the balance of any arrears due to him will be paid.
265.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an invalidity pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. The person concerned was examined on 13 February 1986 by a medical referee who did not consider her to be permanently incapable of work. A deciding officer has decided that she is not therefore entitled to invalidity pension.
266.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason she has not replied to queries from the British Department of Health and Social Security, London, on behalf of a person (details supplied) in London.
The delay in sending the details of the Irish insurance record of the person concerned to the British Department of Health and Social Security at Newcastleupon-Tyne was caused by an administration error. The details have now been sent to that Department.
The person concerned does not qualify for retirement pension under the Social Welfare Acts as he does not have the required yearly average of at least 24 Irish contributions in the period from 5 January 1953 to 5 April 1985. He has a total of only 139 such contributions during that period, giving a yearly average of four. Neither will he qualify for old age contributory pension at age 66. A yearly average of at least 20 Irish contributions is required for this latter pension.
Under EC regulations his British and Irish insurance records may be combined and if this would enable him to satisfy the required yearly average condition he would qualify for a pro rata pension from the Department. The British authorities have been asked to supply details of his British insurance record and when this is received his entitlement to a pro rata pension will be determined.
267.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Entitlement to unemployment assistance is dependent on an applicant being the holder of a qualification certificate and to obtain a qualification certificate an applicant must satisfy certain conditions including an assessment of means. The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance and her case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation of her means.
When the necessary inquiries, which were protracted, were completed she was assessed with means of £8.15 weekly, derived from the value of board and lodgings in her parents' home. She is, accordingly, entitled to unemployment assistance at £23.60 weekly, being the appropriate maximum rate payable in her case of £31.75 less means of £8.15. Payment commenced on 11 March 1986 and all arrears due have been paid to her. Further weekly payments will continue to be made as they become due.