Written Answers Nos 447-70
447. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) was entitled to an alternative support or payment from his Department during the period in which the person incurred an overpayment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9611/16]
View answerThe person concerned incurred two overpayments on her one parent family payment for the periods 14/02/13 to 24/04/13 and 15/05/14 to 09/07/14 as a result of means assessed due to earnings which were not disclosed to the Department. Both of these overpayments have been fully recouped. The person concerned was not entitled to any other payment during the time she incurred the overpayment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
448. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in receipt of the back to education allowance can work during the summer without it affecting the person's payment on returning to education in September 2016. [9491/16]
View answerAll BTEA recipients must re-establish their entitlement to an underlying qualifying payment at the beginning of each academic year in order for BTEA to be approved. Earnings from employment during the summer will not impact on the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) payment amount if the employment is ceased before recommencing BTEA. BTEA participants who are working during the academic year will be assessed in accordance with their underlying primary payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
449. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a person (details supplied) with an opportunity to appeal an overpayment so that a full review of the circumstances can take place, given the number of years the repayment is ongoing. [9494/16]
View answerThe person concerned is repaying a debt she incurred while on invalidity pension and which she owes to the Department. The original debt amounted to €21,931.11 and the balance as at 10 May 2016 is €18,555.11. At the time the debt was assessed, the person in question availed of her right to appeal the revised decision which gave rise to the overpayment. Following consideration of all aspects of the case, an appeals officer (AO) disallowed the appeal and the person in question was informed of this outcome and the reason(s) for it. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in the absence of fresh facts or evidence.
The department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it in an appropriate and timely manner. The method of recovery of an overpayment and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable are dealt with under the department’s code of practice for overpayments. A person who is repaying a debt may request the department to review their repayment schedule, however repayment schedules are not appealable to the SWAO.
The person concerned has been in contact with my department requesting a review of the schedule of recovery of her debt. The repayment of her debt was temporarily suspended pending receipt of further information. Following a discussion with the person in question, the department has agreed to reduce the weekly repayment of the debt from €28.20 per week to €7.70 per week with effect from 11 May 2016. Of course, reducing the weekly rate of repayment will extend the period over which full recovery of the debt will be achieved.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
450. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9495/16]
View answerThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 25 April 2016 and the first payment issued to the person’s bank nominated bank account on 28 April 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 21 January 2016 were also issued on 28 April 2016. The person concerned was notified of these details on 25 April 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9499/16]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29th March 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12th April 2016 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9496/16]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.
Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
453. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9497/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 16 February 2016.
CA in respect of care recipients under 16 years of age may be considered only where domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is being paid in respect of that care recipient.
Accordingly, the application for CA has been refused. The person concerned was notified on 11 April 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9498/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 19 January 2016.
CA was awarded to the person concerned on 5 May 2016 and the first payment will issue to their nominated post office on 12 May 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 21 January 2016 to 11 May 2016 will issue shortly.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
455. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has made a decision on an appeal by persons (details supplied) under the State pension (non-contributory) scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/16]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to allow the appeals of the people concerned. The people concerned have been notified of the Appeals Officer’s 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9531/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 19 April 2016. However as the person concerned is on unpaid leave from her employment, it appears that carer’s benefit (CARB) may the more appropriate payment to claim. Accordingly, an application form for CARB has issued. On receipt, the entitlement to CARB will be examined and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the domiciliary care scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9618/16]
View answerThe person concerned applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of her child on the 4th February 2016. The application was not allowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to her on the 6th May 2016.
In the case of an application which is refused, the applicant may submit additional information and ask for the decision to be reviewed, or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned has been advised of these options in the decision letter.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a payment to a person (details supplied) under the family income supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9619/16]
View answerThe person concerned appealed the decision to disallow Family Income Supplement (FIS) and the file was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. The appeal, following consideration of all the circumstances, was allowed by an appeals officer on 29 April, 2016.
This decision will be implemented by the Department very shortly and the person concerned will be notified of the relevant details.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9504/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 16 February 2016.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 12 April 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a deciding officer will make a decision as quickly as possible. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
460. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9505/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 9 October 2015.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 12 March 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a deciding officer will make a decision and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
461. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9507/16]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) has been in payment to the person concerned for one care recipient since 29 May 2008. CA was awarded on 14 April 2016 in respect of a 2nd care recipient.
The first payment of CA at the higher rate of payment issued to her nominated post office on 21 April 2016. Arrears of allowance due from the 10 December 2015 have also issued to the post office. The person concerned was notified of these details on 14 April 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
462. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9506/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 13 January 2016. Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a deciding officer on 4 April 2016 and again on 28 April 2016. The DO requires this missing information in order to make a decision on the person’s eligibility for CA. Once the information is received the application will be processed and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9508/16]
View answerThe application for carer’s allowance (CA) in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 21 April 2016. The first payment of CA issued to the person’s nominated post office on the 21 April 2016. Arrears of allowance due from 3 December 2015 have also issued to the post office. The person concerned was notified of these details on the 21 April 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
464. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9509/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 17 November 2015.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 28 January 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a deciding officer will make a decision as quickly as possible. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
465. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9529/16]
View answerThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 12 April 2016 and the first payment issued to the person’s nominated bank account on 21 April 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 26 November 2015 were also issued to the bank on 21 April 2016. The person concerned was notified of these details on 12 April 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9530/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 8 February 2016. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new application is running at 19 weeks. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.
Frequently, delays are outside the control of the Department and are caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.
This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.
468. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9524/16]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 19 April 2016. However as the person concerned is on unpaid leave from her employment, it appears that carer’s benefit (CARB) may the more appropriate payment to claim. Accordingly, an application form for CARB has issued. On receipt, the entitlement to CARB will be examined and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
469. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9526/16]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.
Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9527/16]
View answerCA was awarded to the person concerned on 19 April 2016 for the period 3 December 2015 to 23 March 2016 and the full entitlement for that period has been paid.
CA entitlement ceased from 24 March 2016 to 11 May 2016 as the person concerned was working in excess of 15 hours per week outside the home, contrary to the conditions for the CA scheme. CA has been reinstated from 12 May 2016 and payment will be available in the nominated post office on that date. The person concerned was notified of these details on 5 May 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
