asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork had disability benefit discontinued on the grounds that he was absent from home on 27 March 1987 and on 10 April 1987 when a social welfare officer called without notice; and whether people in receipt of disability benefit must stay home permanently.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
36.
One of the five rules of behaviour to be observed by a person claiming or in receipt of disability benefit provides that he shall not be absent from home without leaving word where he can be found. Failure to observe this rule can result in the disallowance of benefit for a period not exceeding nine weeks. It is acceptable for a person to be absent from his home while in receipt of disability benefit provided he leaves word as to his actual whereabouts during his absence.
The person concerned was absent from his home on 27 March 1987, 10 April 1987 and 14 April 1987 without leaving word where he could be found and accordingly payment was disallowed for a period of nine weeks from 4 May to 4 July 1987.
37.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if approval can now be given to the application for invalidity benefit made by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Invalidity pension is payable to insured persons who satisfy the contribution conditions and who are permanently incapable of work. As all conditions are satisfied in the case of the person concerned, a form on which to claim invalidity pension was issued to him on 13 May 1987 and on its return, duly completed, the claim will be dealt with without delay.