Paul McGrath
Question:166 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the meaning of the term "cohabiting" as interpreted by his Department. [23573/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
One of the conditions for receipt of a social welfare payment as a lone parent is that the claimant must not be cohabiting with another person as husband and wife.
Where the possibility of cohabitation arises in any particular case, a deciding officer of the Department considers the facts and makes an independent judgment as to whether a relationship similar to that between a husband and wife exists.
In his-her consideration of the facts, the deciding officer takes into account the apparent stability of the relationship, whether the couple are residing in the same house and whether household finances-responsibilities are shared.