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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Derek McDowell

Question:

77 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the steps that are being taken in his Department to make women aware of their right to register for split payments, thereby ensuring their entitlement to be on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29700/00]

The dependant's portion of an unemployment payment may be paid to the spouse or partner of the claimant as a separate payment where it is likely that the amount of benefit or assistance payable will not be used for the subsistence of the family unit. The spouse may apply at his or her social welfare local office for a separate payment to be made.

My Department's Guide to Social Welfare Services, SW4, and the relevant guidelines published under freedom of information legislation provide information in relation to the circumstances in which separate payments may be claimed and the calculation of payments. Customers are advised that, if they wish to apply for separate payments, they should write or call to their nearest social welfare local office.

Spouses or partners who are in receipt of a separate payment in this way are not included on the live register as they are not in receipt of a payment in their own right.

If the Deputy is aware of any case where difficulty has been experienced in claiming a separate payment, I will have it followed up on receipt of details.

Where a spouse or partner requests payment of the dependant's portion of an unemployment payment, he or she is also advised of the option of making a claim in his or her own right as this may be more advantageous.

For example, one-parent family payment may be claimed if the person is living separately to the claimant, or unemployment benefit or assistance if the statutory conditions are fulfilled.
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