Michael Ring
Question:420 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [4461/09]
View answerTuesday, 10 February 2009
Questions (366, 367, 368)
Written answers
The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 3 October 2008 as she did not satisfy the medical conditions or the means test. An appeal was opened on 14 October 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, that in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officers comments on the grounds of appeal. The relevant documentation have been received by an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Michael Ring
Question:421 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of the reassessment carried out on a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [4646/09]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of a farm assist payment since 23 April 2007. He requested a review of his means assessment on 3 October 2008. A review of his entitlement has now been completed. His weekly means have been assessed at €157.00 by a Deciding Officer from 3 October 2008. His new weekly rate of payment is €182.90, which includes an increase in respect of his spouse. A payment of €1,525.60, including arrears, will issue to him shortly. If he is unhappy with this assessment it is open to him to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
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:422 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be dealt with in relation to jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [4647/09]
View answerThe person concerned applied for a jobseeker's allowance payment on 15 October 2008. A Deciding Officer disallowed his claim from that date on the grounds that he failed to show that his means did not exceed the maximum rate payable to a person in his circumstances. Following an appeal his claim was forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector for re-examination. The inspector will examine his case as soon as possible.
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.