Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time now taken to process an application for carer’s allowance; the number of applications received in each of the past two years and to date in 2012; the number refused, granted or pending; the most common reasons for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4685/12]
View answerThe information requested in respect of carer's allowance applications is contained in the table.
|
Year |
Number Received |
Number awarded |
Number refused |
Pending at year end |
|
2010 |
18,212 |
8,769 |
6,972 |
3,769 |
|
2011 |
17,259 |
7,467 |
5,227 |
7,765 |
The average time taken to award a claim for carer's allowance for the quarter to end September 2011 was 17 weeks. The average time to award for the last quarter of 2011 is unavailable as, due to the phased introduction of a new claims processing system in the carer's allowance area, new claims are being processed on the new system while older claims are still being processed on the old system.
As mentioned above, a major service delivery modernisation project is underway to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. The first tranche of new carer's allowance claims began to be processed under the new system in August 2011. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times which is expected to continue until the completion of the modernisation project when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.
The most common reason for refusal is that the medical evidence supplied indicates that full time care is not required as laid down in Social Welfare legislation. Other common reasons for refusal include: full time care not being provided; means that exceed the limit for the scheme; and working or attending a training course for more than 15 hours per week. It should be noted that a refusal may be made on more than one of these grounds.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average time taken to process an application for contributory or non-contributory old age pension on a monthly basis over the past two years and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4686/12]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables.
|
State Pension Contributory |
2010 — Average weeks to award claims |
2011 — Average weeks to award claims |
|
January |
7 |
7 |
|
February |
7 |
5 |
|
March |
6 |
5 |
|
April |
7 |
6 |
|
May |
9 |
6 |
|
June |
9 |
6 |
|
July |
9 |
4 |
|
August |
11 |
5 |
|
September |
8 |
6 |
|
October |
6 |
4 |
|
November |
6 |
3 |
|
December |
7 |
3 |
|
State Pension (non-contributory) |
2010 — Average weeks to award claims |
2011 — Average weeks to award claims |
|
January |
9 |
10 |
|
February |
8 |
9 |
|
March |
8 |
9 |
|
April |
9 |
9* |
|
May |
11 |
12 |
|
June |
10 |
15 |
|
July |
8 |
10 |
|
August |
8 |
7 |
|
September |
9 |
9 |
|
October |
9 |
9 |
|
November |
10 |
9 |
|
December |
10 |
10 |
*Section IT system changed.
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. All scheme areas are subject to continuous business process improvement supported by modern technology. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme. The Department has already automated the State pension (contributory) scheme and most recently, as part of the Department's programme of service delivery modernisation, the State pension (non-contributory) has been moved onto the new IT administration platform. The new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to customers.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of applications for invalidity pension received in her Department in each of the past three years and to date in 2012; the number refused, granted or pending in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4688/12]
View answerThe information requested is provided in the table.
|
Year |
Claims received |
Claims cleared |
Claims awarded |
Claims disallowed |
Claims pending at year end |
|
2009 |
7,475 |
8,364 |
5,431 |
2,933 |
1,541 |
|
2010 |
8,774 |
7,614 |
3,597 |
4,017 |
2,701 |
|
2011 |
14,621 |
10,508 |
*1,742 |
*4,327 |
6,814 |
1. The figure shown for claims awarded and disallowed in 2011 refers to those dealt with from June-December 2011 only.
2. A breakdown of decisions awarded and disallowed is not available for the period January to end May 2011 as a dual system was in operation prior to migration of all Invalidity Pension Claims to the new computer platform.
3. Figures for January 2011 will not be available until the end of January.
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time taken to process an application for contributory or non-contributory old age pension in each of the past three years and to date in 2012; the numbers granted, refused or pending; the most common reason for refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4689/12]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables.
|
State Pension Contributory |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Claims Pending beginning of year |
4,006 |
3,035 |
2,698 |
|
Registered |
30,595 |
28,936 |
32,193 |
|
Awarded |
17,296 |
20,248 |
23,079 |
|
Disallowed* |
11,378 |
9,688 |
7,170 |
|
Cleared |
38,318 |
34,475 |
34,961 |
|
Claims Pending at end of year |
3,035 |
2,698 |
2,729 |
|
Average Weeks to Award |
8 |
8 |
5 |
*The most common reason for refusal was conditions of entitlement not satisfied.
|
State Pension (non-contributory) |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Claims Pending beginning of year |
1,415 |
1,639 |
1,507 |
|
Registered |
10,802 |
9,835 |
10,200** |
|
Awarded |
7,811 |
7,191 |
6,876 |
|
Disallowed* |
2,961 |
2,641 |
2,398 |
|
Cleared |
10,950 |
9,916 |
9,838 |
|
Claims Pending at end of year |
1,639 |
1,507 |
1,869 |
|
Average Weeks to Award |
8 |
9 |
10 |
*The most common reason for refusal was the claimants' means being in excess of allowable limits.
**Estimated due to difficulties in collating the data for incoming claims during the period April-July 2011 in the transition to the new IT platform.
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. All scheme areas are subject to continuous business process improvement supported by modern technology. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme. The Department has already automated the State pension (contributory) scheme, thereby delivering an improved customer service. Most recently, as part of the Department's programme of service delivery modernisation, the State pension (non-contributory) has been moved onto the new IT administration platform. The new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to customers.
125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance received in her Department in each of the past three years to date in 2012; the number granted or refused over the same period; the most common reason for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4691/12]
View answerThe Department has been accepting new claims for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) since 1 April 2009. Statistics relating to the allowance for the period prior to April 2009 are a matter for the HSE, the previous administrators of the scheme. The number of applicants for DCA that were received, awarded and refused in each year from April 2009 to 2011 is set out in table 1.
|
Applications received |
Applications fully processed in year |
Applications allowed incl. on review* |
Applications disallowed |
|
|
2009 (from 1st April) |
3,389 |
2,823 |
1,220 |
1,603 |
|
2010 |
5,457 |
5,333 |
2,576 |
2,757 |
|
2011 |
5,525 |
5,396 |
2,502 |
2,894 |
(*Includes cases initially disallowed but allowed on review following receipt of additional information).
The main reason that a customer does not qualify for DCA is that the child does not satisfy the medical criteria for the allowance. In order to qualify for DCA, a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time, so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of applications for disability allowance received in her Department in each of the past three years to date in 2012; the numbers granted, refused or pending in respect of the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4692/12]
View answerThe statistics requested are in the tabular statement.
|
Year |
No. of Applications |
No. Allowed |
No. Disallowed |
|
2009 |
20,794 |
10,179 |
9,677 |
|
2010 |
21,409 |
8,306 |
10,316 |
|
2011 |
24,264 |
9,246 |
14,116 |
The number of disability allowance applications pending at the end of December 2011 was 6,999.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently before her Department wherein overpayment has occurred in respect of various social welfare payments and where her Department discovered such errors or were informed by the recipient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4693/12]
View answerIn 2010, total overpayments amounted to €83.4m across approximately 52,600 cases, representing 0.41% of total Departmental expenditure. Overpayments arising from activity suspected as fraudulent that year amounted to less than 0.1% of total Departmental expenditure, with a value of €25.9m across approx. 15,900 cases. The table gives the breakdown of the classification of 2010 overpayments:
|
2010 overpayments |
% of total overpayments |
|
|
Suspected Fraud |
€25.9m |
31% |
|
Customer 3rd Party Error |
€42.4m |
51% |
|
Dept Error |
€5.2m |
6% |
|
Estate |
€9.9m |
12% |
In 2010, recoveries amounted to €34.5 million (€32.9 in 2009). The overpayments figures for 2011 are not available at present as they are currently being audited by the Auditor and Comptroller General.
My Department is fully committed to recovering 100% of all overpayments, including those arising as a result of suspected fraud or error. Effective debt recovery is seen an integral part of the deterrent to fraudulent claiming. Debt holders should be aware that a Department of Social Protection debt will remain on their records until fully recovered. This will result in a reduction of all future entitlements up to and including state pension. Following the death of a customer who owes a debt, my Department has a claim on any estate remaining. Persons who have a debt and who are no longer dependent on social welfare are required to repay this debt as quickly as possible. My Department actively pursues the recovery of all overpayments including the initiation of civil proceedings where appropriate. In the Fraud Initiative 2011-13 which I launched last September, there is a particular emphasis on enhancing the recovery of social welfare overpayments, while taking full account of social inclusion objectives.
128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the number of applicants in receipt of various social welfare payments has fluctuated in each of the past three years to date in 2012 with particular reference to each such category of payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4694/12]
View answerI have attached, for your information, a table which sets out the number of recipients in each of the main weekly schemes managed by my Department at of the end of each year from 2008 to 2011 and the percentage variances in recipient numbers year on year.
|
Type of Payment |
2008 |
Change 2009 over 2008 |
2009 |
Change 2010 over 2009 |
2010 |
Change 2011 over 2010 |
2011 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
250,117 |
6% |
265,102 |
6% |
280,419 |
6% |
296,995 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
7,242 |
16% |
8,378 |
22% |
10,206 |
19% |
12,110 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
97,784 |
0% |
97,798 |
-1% |
97,179 |
0% |
96,749 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
8,872 |
-16% |
7,468 |
-19% |
6,021 |
-20% |
4,820 |
|
Total Older People |
364,015 |
4% |
378,746 |
4% |
393,825 |
4% |
410,674 |
|
Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension |
112,237 |
1% |
113,108 |
1% |
114,579 |
1% |
115,762 |
|
Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension |
2,042 |
-2% |
1,998 |
-1% |
1,977 |
-1% |
1,959 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
9,056 |
-4% |
8,737 |
-4% |
8,372 |
-4% |
8,071 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Allowance |
617 |
-11% |
550 |
-11% |
487 |
-16% |
409 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
87,840 |
3% |
90,484 |
2% |
92,326 |
-2% |
90,307 |
|
Total Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s and One Parent Families |
211,793 |
1% |
214,877 |
1% |
217,741 |
-1% |
216,508 |
|
Type of Payment |
2008 |
Change 2009 over 2008 |
2009 |
Change 2010 over 2009 |
2010 |
Change 2011 over 2010 |
2011 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
23,421 |
-1% |
23,294 |
1% |
23,456 |
2% |
23,947 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
69 |
-29% |
49 |
22% |
60 |
-25% |
45 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
68 |
-6% |
64 |
-17% |
53 |
15% |
61 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) |
833 |
3% |
860 |
7% |
919 |
4% |
955 |
|
Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory) |
437 |
-4% |
420 |
2% |
429 |
3% |
441 |
|
Total Child Related Payments |
24,828 |
-1% |
24,687 |
1% |
24,917 |
2% |
25,449 |
|
Illness Benefit |
73,609 |
6% |
77,665 |
5% |
81,253 |
-10% |
73,397 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
53,725 |
-1% |
52,922 |
-4% |
50,766 |
-2% |
49.792 |
|
Injury Benefit |
846 |
-14% |
726 |
15% |
835 |
-7% |
776 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
525 |
-39% |
318 |
18% |
374 |
-13% |
327 |
|
Disablement Pension |
13,192 |
2% |
13,520 |
1% |
13,721 |
2% |
13,993 |
|
Death Benefit (OIB Widows) |
651 |
-2% |
637 |
-1% |
633 |
-1% |
628 |
|
Disability Allowance |
95,754 |
4% |
99,576 |
2% |
101,111 |
2% |
102,866 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
2,249 |
-15% |
1,917 |
-14% |
1,642 |
0% |
1,637 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
43,569 |
11% |
48,223 |
5% |
50,577 |
2% |
51,666 |
|
Blind Pension |
1,472 |
0% |
1,467 |
1% |
1,485 |
1% |
1,496 |
|
Total Illness, Disability and Caring |
285,592 |
4% |
296,971 |
2% |
302,397 |
-2% |
296,578 |
|
Type of Payment |
2008 |
Change 2009 over 2008 |
2009 |
Change 2010 over 2009 |
2010 |
Change 2011 over 2008 |
2011 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
121,763 |
32% |
160,122 |
-23% |
123,457 |
-22% |
96,044 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
113,603 |
79% |
203,248 |
29% |
261,850 |
8% |
283,929 |
|
Total Jobseeker’s Supports |
235,366 |
54% |
363,370 |
6% |
385,307 |
-1% |
379,973 |
|
Back To Work Allowance Employee |
3,558 |
-43% |
2,012 |
-58% |
851 |
-79% |
182 |
|
Type of Payment |
2008 |
Change 2009 over 2008 |
2009 |
Change 2010 over 2009 |
2010 |
Change 2011 over 2010 |
2011 |
|
Self Employed First Year |
1,470 |
34% |
1,966 |
155% |
5,011 |
12% |
5,617 |
|
Self Employed Years 2-4 |
3,134 |
-16% |
2,625 |
12% |
2,947 |
74% |
5,134 |
|
Back To Education Allowance |
7,886 |
101% |
15,877 |
33% |
21,147 |
17% |
24,666 |
|
Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme |
184 |
-6% |
173 |
-7% |
161 |
18% |
190 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
27,798 |
-7% |
25,963 |
9% |
28,223 |
2% |
28,876 |
|
Farm Assist |
7,496 |
20% |
8,972 |
19% |
10,714 |
6% |
11,333 |
|
Total Employment Supports |
51,526 |
12% |
57,588 |
20% |
69,054 |
10% |
75,998 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
35,546 |
20% |
42,775 |
-13% |
37,413 |
-8% |
34,597 |
|
Total Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
35,546 |
20% |
42,775 |
-13% |
37,413 |
-8% |
34,597 |
|
Type of Payment |
2008 |
Change 2009 over 2008 |
2009 |
Change 2010 over 2009 |
2010 |
Change 2011 over 2010 |
2011 |
|
Rent Allowance |
217 |
-12% |
192 |
-7% |
179 |
-11% |
159 |
|
Total Miscellaneous Payments |
217 |
-12% |
192 |
-7% |
179 |
-11% |
159 |
|
Grand Total |
1,208,883 |
14% |
1,379,206 |
4% |
1,430,833 |
1% |
1,439,936 |
