asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement regarding a decision of the Southern Health Board to disqualify a person (details supplied) in County Kerry from disabled persons maintenance allowance in a case where the person is mentally and physically incapable of working.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
150.
Payment of disabled person's maintenance allowance in any individual case is a matter for determination by the health board concerned having regard to all the relevant circumstances in that case.
I had inquiries made of the Southern Health Board in this case and have been informed that following examination, the applicant was found ineligible on medical grounds. The applicant has lodged an appeal which is at present being considered by the health board. A decision on the appeal is expected shortly.
151.
asked the Minister for health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many applicants for the disabled persons maintenance allowance to the health boards take over a year before any decisions are made on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Inquiries made from the health boards indicate that the average time taken to process applications for disabled person's maintenance allowance is approximately eight to ten weeks. Payment, if approved, is retrospective to the date of application. If there is financial hardship involved in any individual case, health boards would normally pay supplementary welfare allowance to the applicant during the time taken to process the application.