Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
237 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the backdating of family income supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14917/04]
View answerThe application for family income supplement from the person concerned was received in the Department on 20 October 2003. Family income supplement was awarded at the rate of €41.00 per week from 23 October 2003 in line with legislation and normal practice. This rate was increased to €58.00 per week from 1 January 2004 in line with budget increases.
The person then requested that his award be back-dated to October 2002. This application was refused by the deciding officer on the basis that the family income supplement is a well advertised scheme and lack of information would not normally be accepted as sufficient reason for not claiming on time. The person appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and in accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant departmental papers and the comments of the social welfare services on the matters raised in the appeal were sought by the appeals office. As soon as these come to hand the case will be referred to an appeals officer for early consideration.
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.
