Wednesday, 30 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 105-111

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (105)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was requested again to provide proof of financial support over the last number of years when all this documentation was previously provided in the last number of weeks to their community welfare officer; when a decision is likely to be made in respect of their jobseeker's allowance application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4612/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

All relevant documentation submitted by the person concerned to the community welfare service has been passed to the local social welfare office for association with his jobseeker’s allowance application. It is expected that a decision on his jobseeker’s allowance application will be made within the next week or so.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (106)

Seán Fleming

Question:

106. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4613/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th September 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22nd January 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Questions (107)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate eligibility for illness benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was self-employed up until 2009 and previously on jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4614/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned was previously self-employed and paying PRSI contributions at class S. Class S contributions are not reckonable for illness benefit purposes. Only PRSI contributions paid at classes A, E, H and P count towards payment of Illness Benefit.

Social Welfare Appeals Delays

Questions (108)

Michael McGrath

Question:

108. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a State pension transition appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [4618/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that in the case of appeals for state pension (transition), where it appears that the reason for the Deciding Officers decision may not have been fully understood, the letter of appeal is referred to state pensions requesting that the decision be clarified to the appellant. The person is advised that if s/he is still not satisfied following receipt of this clarification that the appeal will be formally registered and processed. In the case of the person concerned, her letter of appeal was forwarded to state pension (transition) section, on 13th December 2012, who will shortly issue a letter of clarification. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (109)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date in the determination of an application for jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was unemployed for four weeks over the Christmas period, who will recommence casual employment shortly for four weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4645/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The jobseekers allowance application from the person concerned was awarded on the 24th January 2013. The first payment will be for collection at his nominated Post Office on 29th January 2013.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 103.

Illness Benefit Appeals

Questions (111)

John O'Mahony

Question:

111. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a decision on their application for illness benefit following the holding of an oral appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4778/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.