Michael Creed
Question:158 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on the length of time taken to process supplementary welfare allowance appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2493/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The length of time taken to deal with supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appeals has improved as indicated from the following tables.
The SWA system plays a very significant role in the overall income maintenance arrangements of the social welfare scheme. I believe that the quality of the valuable service provided by the various health boards across the country can only be improved through the existence of a demonstrably independent appeals system. I have decided therefore that the Social Welfare Appeals Office will, in future, also take responsibility for SWA appeals.
Provision was made in the Social Welfare Act, 1996 (Section 30) for an appeal to the Independent Appeals Office by any person dissatisfied with a determination by an appeals officer of a health board on a claim to supplementary welfare allowance.
The chief appeals officer has set up a working group with representatives of the health boards and the Department of Social Welfare to examine the administrative arrangements and other implications arising from this decision with a view to its implementation as soon as is practicable.
SWA Appeals Processing Times
|
Health Board |
Time to process |
Average delay |
Appeals causing delay |
|
North-Eastern |
2-3 days |
2 days |
All types |
|
North-Western |
10 days |
10 days |
*BTSCFS |
|
Southern |
6-8 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
All types |
|
Western |
3 weeks |
3 weeks |
All types |
|
South-Eastern |
4-8 weeks |
5 weeks |
Rent supp. |
|
Mid-Western |
4 weeks |
4 weeks |
Rent and *ENPs |
|
Midland |
3-4 weeks |
3 weeks |
*ENPs |
|
Eastern |
6-8 weeks |
6 weeks |
All types |
* ENPs = Exceptional Needs Payments.
* BSCF = Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme.
SWA Appeals Statistics
January 1996-September 1996 (incl.)
|
Board |
Brought forward from 1995 |
Received Jan.-Sep. 1996 |
Cleared Jan.-Sep. 1996 |
On hands 1 Oct. 1996 |
|
EHB |
806 |
1,559 |
1,959 |
406 |
|
MHB |
14 |
76 |
84 |
6 |
|
MWHB |
63 |
198 |
154 |
107 |
|
NEHB |
2 |
88 |
79 |
11 |
|
NWHB |
17 |
262 |
221 |
58 |
|
SEHB |
5 |
72 |
72 |
5 |
|
SHB |
300 |
1,287 |
1,450 |
137 |
|
WHB |
27 |
187 |
145 |
69 |
|
Total |
1,234 |
3,729 |
4,164 |
799 |