Written Answers Nos. 162-170
162. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for job seekers benefit; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23085/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 27th March 2013. 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. When received, 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.
163. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23087/13]
View answerPayment of illness benefit to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department, who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 3rd April 2013 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
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.
168. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection if family income supplement payment of a person (details supplied) will automatically be reviewed when they lose their lone parent allowance in July; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23122/13]
View answerThe Family Income Supplement (FIS) payment is designed to provide cash income for employees with families who are on low earnings. Once the level of FIS payment is determined, it continues to be payable at that rate for a period of 52 weeks, provided that the person remains in full-time employment. However, the rate of payment will not change if there is an increase or decrease in the recipient's income during that period.
The person concerned had their FIS payment renewed with effect from 9 May 2013 for 52 weeks. Their entitlement will be re-examined from the expiry date of this 52 week period in light of their circumstances at that time.
169. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when will a person (details supplied) in County Mayo receive a decision on their application for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23141/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th March 2013. 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 01st May 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.
