asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she is satisfied that widows, deserted wives, prisoners' wives and unmarried mothers are aware that special arrangements can be made to award benefit in respect of their children between 18 and 21 who are in full time third level education; if she will give the number of applications for benefit from these categories, in respect of dependants between 18 and 21 in full time education for the last year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Dependant Allowance.
21.
The present administrative procedures do ensure that persons in receipt of widow's pension, deserted wife's benefit or allowance, unmarried mother's allowance or prisoner's wife's allowance are aware that they can receive a child dependant allowance in respect of a child aged between 18 and 21 who is in full time education.
Basically, the procedure is that before a child dependant reaches 18 years my Department writes to the claimant informing her of the position and enclosing a form to be completed if the child is attending full time education. This form has to be certified by the principal of the educational establishment being attended. On receipt of this form by the Department a dependant allowance is paid in respect of the child.
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of applications received in respect of this category is not readily available, as statistics are not maintained on the number of child beneficiaries at different ages.