asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for delay in forwarding an invalidity pension book which has already been approved to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the necessary book and arrears will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
127.
Claimants to invalidity pension are required to be recipients of disability benefit. When the pension is awarded, payment is made by way of a pension order book which commences at a date some time after its date of issue to enable the disability benefit to be terminated and arrears of pension from the date of the award, less the amounts of disability benefit paid since that date, to be calculated.
These arrears are then forwarded by way of payable order.
In the case of the person concerned, invalidity pension has recently been awarded back-dated to June 1987. Pension books payable from 8 December 1988 have been forwarded to the designated post office of payment. Disability benefit will continue up to that date and arrears of pension less the amount of disability benefit due will issue as soon as possible afterwards.
128.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has had disability benefit payments reinstated to her; if so, when a second medical referee hearing will be arranged; and the arrangements which will be made for interim payments for the person concerned.
Payment of disability benefit to the person concerned was disallowed from 14 November 1988 following examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
To date the person concerned has not appealed against the decision to disallow payment on her claim. If a letter of appeal is submitted, arrangements will be made to have her examined by another medical referee and her claim will be reviewed in the light of his report. In the interim, she may be entitled to claim unemployment benefit if she is unemployed, available for and seeking employment.
If her means are insufficient to meet her needs, it is open to her to apply to her local community welfare officer with a view to claiming Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
129.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of pay-related social insurance to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when payment will be made.
Pay-related benefit with disability benefit is payable from the 19th day of incapacity. The waiting period applies even if the claimant transfers from unemployment benefit, unless the disability benefit claim links with an earlier claim for this benefit.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit having previously been in receipt of unemployment benefit from 11 August 1988 to 8 September. Pay-related benefit became payable from 28 September, the 19th day of his disability benefit claim. There does not appear to have been any delay in issuing this benefit.
130.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare had his disability benefit discontinued to him even though he is awaiting an operation to replace a damaged hip.
The person concerned was considered to be capable of work on two different occasions following examination by a medical referee.
He has appealed against the disallowance of benefit and his case is now to be considered by an appeals officer.
The Department will be in touch with the person concerned on this matter as soon as possible.