asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who are being medically certified by their own doctors for disability benefit and whose applications for reinstatement of disability benefit are being further considered by his Department, are being requested to sign on at the local exchanges for unemployment assistance; whether it is in order for persons to sign on for unemployment assistance when they know themselves and are advised by their own doctor that they are incapable of and not fit for work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disability Benefit Applications.
106.
When, following an examination by a medical referee, a person is disallowed further payment of disability benefit, he or she is notified of the decision and advised of the right of appeal. In addition, the claimants are also advised that if they are unable to meet their needs or the needs of dependants, supplementary welfare allowance may be claimed. The notification goes on to state that persons who are unemployed and available for work may claim unemployment benefit or assistance.
It is thus a matter of choice for each individual as to what they wish to do following receipt of a disallowance notice. In no instance is anybody requested to pursue any particular course of action. The notification issued is designed to make people aware of the various options open to them and the reference to the unemployment services is specifically included to ensure that claimants are fully alerted to all their potential entitlements.
In a situation where a deciding officer of the Department has held that someone is not incapable of work, there is no objection to accepting a claim for unemployment benefit or assistance from such a person even though they may still be submitting medical certificates from their own doctor in support of their appeal. Furthermore, such a claim would not be seen as inhibiting in any way the outcome of the appeal.