asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position on a claim for disability benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
52.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 15 October 1987 after which date payment was disallowed following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. He appealed against the disallowance of benefit and was examined by a different medical referee on 2 December 1987 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. His appeal has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of his claim on 28 April 1988.
53.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a statement regarding the pending appeal of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if an oral hearing for this appeal can be arranged in view of the need of this person.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 December 1987. Social welfare regulations provide that where a claimant has no contributions paid or credited for any two consecutive contribution year preceding his claim, he cannot qualify for payment of disability benefit or the award of credited contributions in respect of periods of incapacity for work. To requalify for payment a claimant requires a further 26 weeks of insurable employment for which the appropriate contributions have been paid.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned had no contributions paid or credited since 1971. Therefore, he does not qualify for payment of disability benefit. If his means are insufficient to meet his needs he may be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance and in this regard he should contact his local community welfare officer. If the person concerned feels he has grounds for appeal he should inform the Department setting out details of his case.