Vol. 532 No. 1
264 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who after transferring from assistance to disability had his payments reduced from £137 per week to £78.50 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6476/01]
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 13 February 2001 at the rate of £137.70 per week. He became unfit for work from 6 February 2001 and claimed disability benefit.
In accordance with social welfare legislation the weekly rate of disability benefit payable depends on the level of earnings a claimant had in the governing contribution year. In order to qualify for payment at the maximum rate a claimant is required to have reckonable average weekly earnings of £70 or more in the governing contribution year. A claimant with no reckonable earnings in the governing contribution year is deemed to have average weekly earnings of £25 and qualifies for a reduced payment of disability benefit.
The person concerned qualified for disability benefit at the weekly rate of £78.50. The reduction in payment can only be made good through a "top up" payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme and the person concerned should contact the community welfare officer in this regard at his local health centre. Payments made under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme are subject to a means test.
