Michael Ring
Question:358 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment of carer's allowance. [22786/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was awarded carer's allowance from 15 March 2001 at the maximum weekly personal rate of £80.50, 102.21, increasing to £88.50, 112.37, from 5 April 2001 and £33, 41.90, child dependant allowance. Two books of personalised payable orders issued to her nominated post office on 31 July 2001, payable with effect from 2 August 2001. Arrears of allowance due for the period 15 March 2001 to 1 August 2001 amounting to £1,040.80, 1321.54, issued to the person concerned on 6 September 2001.
Michael Ring
Question:359 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason the rate of carer's allowance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced to £34.50; and if he will give a breakdown of this assessment. [22787/01]
Following a recent review of his claim, the person concerned was reassessed with weekly means of £59.42, 75.45, per week. As a result, his rate of carer's allowance was reduced to £34.50, 43.81. The means were derived from his annual income, a combination of his weekly income and his spouse's earnings. The person concerned has been provided with a detailed breakdown of how his means were calculated and has also been notified of his right of appeal. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
David Stanton
Question:360 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the assistance which is available to persons over 70 years of age towards the cost of transferring a telephone line to a new residence in the event of moving to sheltered housing accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22900/01]
The telephone allowance scheme is intended primarily to provide security and social contact for those eligible, living independently in their own communities. Depending on circumstances, however, persons who move into sheltered housing accommodation may be entitled to telephone allowance, including instrument and line rental and a certain amount of calls every two months, plus the related VAT charge. The scheme does not cover the initial cost of transferring or installing a telephone line.
Eligibility for the allowance depends on whether the applicant is living independently in the sheltered housing and whether they require nursing care. The allowance is not payable where such care is provided, on the basis that there is someone available to provide help in an emergency. Each application is dealt with on an individual basis and it may be necessary for a local officer of the Department to visit the relevant accommodation and assess whether the applicant concerned is eligible for the allowance in the particular circumstances.
Michael Ring
Question:361 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a date for an appeal hearing against a decision to refuse an application for a carer's allowance. [22901/01]
In this case, payment of carer's allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer, on the grounds that the person concerned did not satisfy the statutory condition of providing full-time care and attention for the relevant person, as she worked in excess of ten hours per week. She appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. A submission on the case is being prepared and an appeals officer will decide whether an oral hearing is required. The person concerned will be notified by the appeals office in that regard. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Michael Ring
Question:362 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment of carer's allowance. [22902/01]
Michael Ring
Question:366 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid carer's allowance. [23090/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 366 together.
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on 26 January 2000 on the basis that her means, which were derived from her spouse's income, exceeded the statutory limit. She was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of appeal. Arising from further improvements made in the scheme this year, the person concerned qualifies for a carer's allowance at the weekly rate of £34.50, 43.81, with effect from 5 April 2001. It is, however, financially more beneficial to her to remain as a qualified dependant on her spouse's invalidity pension. She has been notified of the decision in her case and of her right to appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officer. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.