Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if invalidity pension already refused or entitlement to disability allowance, as appropriate, may be considered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12711/14]
View answerInvalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. A previous claim for invalidity pension in respect of the person concerned was refused on 11 March 2013 as the claimant did not satisfy the medical criteria.
A new claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned was received on 20 January 2014. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The applicant was notified of this decision on 03 March 2014 and advised of his right to request a review of the decision and also of his right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office. To date no further correspondence has been received from the person concerned.
Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least on year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test. A completed application form for disability allowance must be submitted to the Department in order to have eligibility checked and a formal decision made on entitlement. To date no application for disability allowance has been received, an application form has issued to the person concerned 11 March 2014 should he wish to apply.
