Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Loss of Social Welfare Payments.

Tony Gregory

Question:

163 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the circumstances whereby a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who was hospitalised for two days, lost a total of £132, the difference between his unemployment assistance and his supplementary welfare over the Christmas period in 1992; if such a loss of social welfare income is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the appropriate maximum weekly rate of £129 up to 22 December 1992. He was admitted to hospital on 20 December 1992 and claimed Disability Benefit. He did not satisfy the contribution conditions for Disability Benefit and claimed Supplementary Welfare Allowance. In assessing his entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance the Community Welfare Officer took into account his wife's net earnings of £49.65 per week.

He was in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance in respect of the period 26 December 1992 up to 16 January 1993 and was paid at the weekly rate of £83.20 which included an £8 fuel allowance. In addition, he was paid an exceptional needs payment amounting to £30.

He reapplied for Unemployment Assistance on 11 January 1993 and resumed payment at the weekly rate of £129. Further payments will continue to be made as they become due.

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme is administered by the Health Boards. The scheme is designed to cater for immediate need and the determination of the rate payable in each case is a matter for the Health Boards. The provisions governing assessment of means for Supplementary Welfare Allowance purposes specify that the rate payable takes account of all household income. In the assessment of means for Unemployment Assistance purposes a spouse's income up to a certain level is disregarded.