Vol. 456 No. 6
136 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applications received for disability benefit for each of the years from 1990 and to date in 1995 which were allowed for payment to claimants in respect of periods more than six months before the date on which the claim was made; if he will have arrangements made to analyse the reasons for these exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14286/95]
Under social welfare legislation a person claiming disability benefit is required to give notice of illness within seven days of becoming incapable of work. This time limit can be extended for up to six months if the person claiming benefit can show good cause for his-her failure to claim.
In certain circumstances, arrears of benefit may be paid in respect of a period greater than six months. This can arise where it is established that a claim for benefit was in fact made previously but medical evidence of incapacity was not supplied and there was good cause for the failure to supply such evidence. It is estimated that the number of such cases is five or less per year.
