Michael Ring
Question:1345 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a disability appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22335/04]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2004
Questions (1165)
Written answers
The person concerned originally applied for disability allowance on 18 September 2003. The principal conditions for receipt of the allowance are that the medical eligibility criteria are met and that the means test which applies is satisfied.
While the medical eligibility criteria were met, the application was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that his means, derived from his spouse's employment and the letting of land, exceeded the statutory limit.
He appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office. Following an examination of his case, the appeals officer disallowed his appeal. He was directly notified of the outcome of his appeal on 25 May 2004. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
A further application for disability allowance was received on 16 September 2004. This is being referred to the local investigative officer of the Department to ascertain his current means and whether there has been any change in circumstances since the last assessment.
His entitlement to disability allowance will be further considered in light of the officer's report and a formal decision will issue to him directly.