Vol. 528 No. 2
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applications for one parent family allowance and widow-widowers pensions that have been rejected on means test grounds in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30060/00]
There were some 19,000 claims for one parent family payment and widowed non-contributory pensions in the 12 month period to end October 2000. During this period some 1,400 such applications were refused on means grounds. This consists of some 800 which were refused as the claimants' means exceeded the statutory limit, and 600 claims where claimants failed to supply evidence to show that their means did not exceed the limit.
Applicants who are dissatisfied with the decision of a deciding officer regarding their entitlements, on means or any other relevant grounds, may appeal the decision within 21 days to the independent social welfare appeals office.
