Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
629. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for disability allowance currently awaiting processing; the maximum time an applicant is currently waiting to have the assessment process concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16835/13]
View answerThere are approximately 6,600 applications for disability allowance awaiting decision of which some 5,500 are new applications. A recent analysis of the applications pending decision indicated that approximately 60% of them had been waiting for a decision for 12 weeks or fewer.
Following the completion of a major service delivery modernisation programme, disability allowance has recently undertaken a business process improvement initiative aimed at eliminating backlog and improving customer service. The number awaiting decision has reduced from 7,775 to 6,600 since the beginning of this year and it is anticipated that the full backlog will be actioned by the end of the second quarter of this year.
It should be noted that the processing time for individual disability allowance claims can vary depending on the complexity of the claimant’s circumstances and the information they provide. In addition, a request for a review or an appeal by a person adds to length of time taken to deal with the claim.
