Denis Naughten
Question:297 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the budget increase arrears will be paid; and when new social welfare payment books will be issued. [3481/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
In 2002, for the first time, increases in weekly social welfare rates provided for in the budget are effective from the beginning of January – 13 weeks earlier than in 2001. The increase in child benefit, which is paid monthly, is effective from April 2002.
Increases in short-term weekly payments such as unemployment and disability benefits are already in payment, effective from the first pay-day in January. In the case of book-based payment systems, which are the chosen payment option for the majority of pensioners and other long-term weekly beneficiaries, the increases are being paid during February via a lump sum payment.
For 210,000 customers paid on a weekly basis on schemes where books are due for renewal in February – and which are issuing currently – a lump sum in respect of the six weeks increase due from the start of 2002 is included in the first payments due on 14 and 15 February.
A further 393,000 people paid on a weekly basis on schemes where new books are due in April 2002 will also receive a lump sum during February, containing six weeks backdated payment to the start of 2002, plus an advance payment of the increase for seven weeks to bring them up to the date on which their new books arrive. A voucher in respect of this lump sum has issued to post offices for encashment when customers collect their weekly payments due on 13, 14 and 15 February. By mid-February, all customers who are paid on a weekly basis will have received their increase in full.
For child benefit, 520,000 customers will receive the increase in the monthly rate in a special payment in May, backdated to the effective date at the start of April. A voucher in this respect will be issued to post offices for encashment when customers collect their monthly payment due on 7 May. The increase will thereafter be included in new payment books issuing in June 2002.
Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 282.
Question No. 299 answered with Question No. 288.