Mervyn Taylor
Question:49 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for his regulation to revise the conditions for entitlement to treatment benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Eligibility.
The qualifying conditions for entitlement to treatment benefit were amended with effect from 6 July 1992 by changes in the contribution requirements and by the introduction of an earnings limit.
The minimum number of contributions required by persons aged 25 and over has been increased from 208 to 260 in order to bring the treatment benefit scheme into line with other contributory benefit schemes. However, an exception was made in the case of persons in the age group 23 to 25. In their case, the minimum number of paid contributions required will be 39 weeks as for claimants under age 23.
The position of widows has also been improved. The widow of a qualified person who died after age 60 will now retain entitlement to Treatment Benefits for as long as she remains a widow.
A further qualifying condition now requires claimants to have a minimum of 39 contributions in the relevant tax year, of which at least 13 must be paid contributions. However, persons who do not have 13 paid in that particular year can still qualify if they have 13 paid in either of the two preceding tax years or in any subsequent tax year. In practice, this will mean that a person who has 13 paid contributions in any one of the last five contribution years can still qualify for benefit.
The introduction of an earnings limit means that benefit is no longer payable to an insured person whose aggregate earnings in the relevant tax year exceeds £25,000. In the case of single income couples, however, a dependent spouse can still qualify provided the insured person's earnings do not exceed £50,000.
The changes which were made in the treatment benefits scheme were necessary in order to ensure the continuing viability of the scheme by directing limited resources towards those in greatest need including dependent spouses of insured workers. The measures also seek to establish a more realistic relationship between entitlement to benefit and a continuing or recent attachment to the workforce through an active PRSI contribution record.