asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in providing an invalidity pension book for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is disabled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
84.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who are permanently incapable of work and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
One of the contribution conditions for invalidity pension is that a claimant, who has been in receipt of disability benefit for at least one year on the 6 April 1987, has qualifying contributions in respect of not less than 156 contribution weeks of insurable employment since his entry into insurance.
According to the Department's records there are only 42 such weeks of insurable employment registered in respect of the person concerned since his entry into insurance. It was noted that the person concerned was insurably employed in Britain. Details of his British insurance were requested from the British authorities. This information has now been received in this Department, and it transpires that the claimant satisfies the contribution conditions for receipt of invalidity pension. A pension claim form was issued to the person concerned on 2 April 1987. On its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay and the pension will be awarded from the original date of his application.
85.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory widow's pension is not being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who lives alone and whose only income is that which she receives from members of her family.
Following an investigation of her circumstances, the means of the person concerned, derived from the capital value of property, were assessed at £48.88 a week. This exceeds the limit of £48.00 a week, applicable to her as a widow under 66 years with no qualified children, and she was not therefore qualified for pension.
A deed of transfer has been prepared for the property. However, the social welfare officer is satisfied that the applicant, in drawing up this deed, is divesting herself of means in order to qualify for a pension and that the sum of £48.88 per week must be assessed against her on these grounds in accordance with the relevant legislation.
She appealed against the decision and the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer whose decision is final and conclusive and is only subject to review in the event of new facts or fresh evidence being furnished by or on behalf of the claimant.