Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
48. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when the entitlement to a disability benefit of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will expire; the entitlements the person will then have to a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39809/15]
View answerSince January 2009 illness benefit is payable for a maximum of two years, i.e. 624 days.
The person concerned made a claim to illness benefit from 20 Jan 2014 and is currently receiving illness benefit at a graduated rate, plus a top up of supplementary welfare allowance. Their entitlement for payment of illness benefit will expire on 16 Jan 2016. Notification confirming the expiry date issued to the person concerned this week. According to our records, my department received a claim for invalidity pension from the person concerned on 19 June 2015.
The person concerned was refused invalidity pension on the grounds that, based upon the evidence supplied, the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. This claim is currently under appeal.
Disability allowance is a weekly allowance for people with a disability aged between 16 and 66. The disability must be expected to last at least one year. The person concerned must pass a medical exam, a means test and be habitually resident in Ireland to get the allowance. No application for disability allowance from the person concerned has been received in my department to date. Further information on disability allowance is available on my department's website www.welfare.ie.
If the person concerned is still unable to meet their needs or the needs of their household, when their illness benefit expires, they may be entitled to an increase in their supplementary welfare allowance. The person concerned may wish to discuss this matter with the department's community welfare service at their local Intreo centre.
