Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
562 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a decision has not been completed regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18357/12]
View answerThe person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.
On 25 February 2012, he was notified of this decision and of his right of review and/or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
563 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection if former separated children or aged out minors who are in full time education and have been recognised as refugees or been granted leave to remain should get support from their local community welfare officer considering their unique circumstances as children who are outside their country of origin without the protection of their parents or guardians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18361/12]
View answerThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, or anyone who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare or HSE payment, may qualify for SWA. A number of client categories are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving assistance under the SWA scheme. These include people in full-time work and people in full-time education. However, under Section (190), subsection (3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, an individual in full-time education may, in exceptional circumstances, receive SWA. Any person enquiring about their entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme should contact the Department in order that their entitlements can be investigated.
