Pat Breen
Question:701. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39437/17]
View answerWednesday, 20 September 2017
Questions (701)
Written answers
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
To qualify for IP a claimant must satisfy a number of conditions, including the condition that they have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and have at least 48 paid or credited social insurance contributions in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for the purpose of these conditions.
The Department received an application for IP for the lady concerned on the 29 June 2017. In order to confirm her social insurance record, her case has been sent to a social welfare inspector (SWI) for investigation. Upon completion of the SWI's investigation, her application will be processed and a Deciding Officer will be in direct contact with the lady regarding the outcome of her application.
In the meantime, disability allowance remains in payment to the lady in question at a reduced rate, based on her means.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.