Written Answers Nos. 679-702
679. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to increase welfare payment rates by a higher percentage than the projected price increases in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39051/17]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to increasing the State pension and the living alone allowance above the rate of inflation. It also supports increases in payments to people with disabilities and carers.
Budget 2017 provided for a €5 increase in the maximum rates of payment across all weekly schemes, with proportionate increases for qualified adults and those on reduced rates of payment. For pensioners, this was the equivalent of a 2.1% increase. For most working age recipients, this was the equivalent of a 2.65% increase.
The Department of Finance's Summer Economic Statement reports a Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation rate of 0.6% for 2017 and forecasts HICP inflation of 1.2% for 2018, resulting in a cumulative inflation rate of 1.8%. Accordingly, the Programme for Government commitment has been met in respect of increases to the weekly rates of payment.
The appropriate levels of weekly rates of payment for 2018 will be considered by Government in the context of the resources available in the forthcoming Budget.
680. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is legal for an employer and employee to agree that the employee will take payment in lieu of part of his or her holidays; if a company or its director are breaking labour law in cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39711/17]
View answerFollowing the coming into effect of the Labour Affairs and Labour Law (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2017 (S. I. No. 361 of 2017) on the 1st of September, responsibility for employment rights policy and legislation transferred from the Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to myself as Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 11 pieces of primary legislation governing employment rights in Ireland are now within my remit including the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (OWT Act).
Under the annual leave provisions of the OWT Act, the minimum statutory annual leave entitlement of four weeks' annual leave must be given on a paid leave basis. In addition, payment in lieu cannot be substituted for the taking of the minimum leave entitlement unless the employee is leaving the employment. This has been confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in several cases taken under the EU Working Time Directive. However, provisions in relation to any annual leave entitlement over and above the statutory minimum entitlement can be negotiated between an employer and an employee.
It appears that the Deputy’s question may relate to the taking of annual leave by a director of a company. In this case, the applicability of the annual leave provisions of the OWT Act to a company director will depend on whether or not the director would be regarded as an employee of the company as defined in Section 2 of the OWT Act. If, in the particular circumstances of the case, the director is deemed to be an employee within the meaning of the Act, then the provisions of the OWT Act would apply.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees, they may refer a complaint to the WRC where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court.
The WRC's Customer Service Section provides information to both employers and employees in relation to employment rights and obligations. The WRC’s Customer Service Section can be contacted at Lo-call: 1890 80 80 90 or 059 9178990. The website www.workplacerelations.ie also provides information on employment rights.
681. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department is responsible for ensuring that disability allowance is paid to the person for whom it is intended (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39058/17]
View answerThe circumstances in which a customer is deemed to be unable to manage his or her own financial affairs may include one or more of the following:
- an inability to understand the basis of possible entitlements to benefit;
- an inability to understand and complete the claim form;
- an inability to understand and deal with correspondence and enquiries concerning the claim;
- an inability to manage benefit payments received.
In this type of situation, a formal application must be made on behalf of the customer and documentary evidence provided. The customer must be certified by a registered medical practitioner to be a person who is unable for the time being to manage their own financial affairs.
The agent appointed may or may not be a relative of the customer. Once appointed, they have a duty to act in the best interests of the customer. Amongst their duties are the responsibility to:
- receive and deal with any sum payable by way of benefit on behalf of the customer;
- make payments only on items or services which are of benefit to the customer;
- ensure the balance of any benefit is lodged to an interest bearing account for the benefit of the customer;
- keep a record of all sums received by way of benefit which have been lodged to an interest bearing account on behalf of the customer;
- keep a record of all other transactions made in relation to sums received by way of benefit on behalf of the customer;
- produce these records when requested to do so by the customer or by their nearest relative or by an officer of the Department;
- notify the department of any changes in the customer's circumstances.
Should any issue or question arise in respect of an appointed person, the Department will take the necessary actions, consulting or involving as appropriate other relevant agencies such as the Health Service Executive or An Garda Síochána.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
682. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the method used to calculate the annual payment of over €50 million to RTE for the free television licence; if it is assumed that each person in receipt of a social welfare payment eligible for the scheme has a television without checks; and the reason the figures provided in the recent reply received by this Deputy on this issue as the annual amounts are remarkably similar and are not divisible by the television licence fee. [39124/17]
View answerThe household benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. Customers receive their free licence directly from my Department upon qualifying for the household benefits package and their entitlement remains valid for as long as they continue to receive that package. There are 429,463 customers in receipt of the free television licence as of July 2017.
My Department pays a fixed amount of €4,432,046 to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment (DCCAE) on a monthly basis. In addition to paying the DCCAE, this fund is also used for the payment of TV Licence refunds to customers. Eligibility for a refund on a license already purchased is based on the approved date of the Household Benefits Package.
In 2011, expenditure for the TV licence scheme was capped at 2010 levels and was subsequently cut by €5 million in the 2014 Budget. Prior to the cap and the cut to funding payments were made to DCCAE on a monthly basis using an agreed formula based on a percentage of the Department's customer base. This formula took into account the savings to RTE and An Post on costs of administration, enforcement and collection of the licence fees for this cohort of customers. In Budget 2017 an additional €1 million was made available to increase the payment made to DCCAE.
My Department is currently reviewing the funding levels along with the DCCAE. Any decision to increase the payment will have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
683. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the actions she has taken on foot on the motion opposing the restructuring of MABS and CIS being passed by Dáil Éireann and a report from the Joint Committee on Social Protection which also called for the restructuring process to be halted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39130/17]
View answer686. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the restructuring process of MABS and CIS can be halted until such a time as there is agreement between relevant stakeholders on a way forward that is agreeable with all sides concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39133/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 683 and 686 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has statutory responsibility for the Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), decided on 15th February 2017 to restructure its governance arrangements to a regional model, comprising eight 8 CIS and 8 MABS companies.
As a statutory body, the Board has the sole right to make decisions on its day to day operations as it sees fit. The considered advice received from the Office of the Attorney General is that, as Minister, I do not have the power to seek to intervene in such a decision taken by the Board, or to direct the Board not to implement its decision.
CIB has not taken this operational decision lightly. It follows years of analysis of options and detailed consultation with all stakeholders on the need for a more streamlined governance model. It is important to note that the new arrangements are being implemented at local company board level only. The valuable work carried out by the employees and volunteers working in CIS services and the employees of MABS services will continue as before.
In May of this year, 300 representatives of staff, management, and volunteers, as well as Chairpersons and representatives of local CIS and MABS services attended regional consultations organised by CIB. Over the summer months, 238 people attended 8 Focus Groups at which service delivery strategy, board structures, linkages and staff roles under the new company model were discussed. CIB plans to hold a further Focus Group on Volunteers in October.
CIB is seeking to implement the Board's decision in a consultative way and is making genuine efforts to allay any concerns of staff and boards of local services in relation to the operation of the new sixteen company structure.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
684. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the cost-benefit analysis of the MABS and CIS restructuring process has been completed; if completed, the findings of this analysis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39131/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) has statutory responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).
A full Cost Benefit Analysis on the new sixteen regional board model has been commissioned by CIB and is due for submission to the Board of CIB in September.
As highlighted previously, cost savings is not the driver of the change to reduce the number of service delivery companies from ninety three to sixteen. The aim of the change is to improve existing governance arrangements and optimise the benefits from operating a more modern and streamlined citizen focused delivery model. Where efficiencies may occur from the changes, resources will be redirected towards improving the range and in some cases the consistency of quality of service provision to those who use CIS and MABS services countrywide.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
685. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has formally met representatives of MABS and CIS who are opposed to the restructuring of their organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39132/17]
View answer689. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to meet representatives of the MABS national management forum to discuss the proposals to regionalise the MABS and CIS; if she will issue a directive and abandon these proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39170/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 685 and 689 together.
In February 2017, the Board of Citizens Information Board decided to restructure its governance arrangements to a regional model comprising sixteen companies, 8 Citizens Information Services (CIS) and 8 Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) companies.
The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management, and governance of CIS and MABS service networks and service delivery standards and consistency.
CIB took this operational decision following five years of analysis and consideration of options and extensive consultation with all stakeholders. As a statutory body, the Board of CIB has the sole right to make decisions on its day to day operations as it sees fit.
The considered advice received from the Office of the Attorney General is that I, as Minister, do not have the power to seek to intervene in such a decision taken by the Board, or to direct the Board not to implement its decision.
Given the advice received, any suggestions regarding proposals for alternative governance models are properly a matter for the Board of CIB. Accordingly, it is proper for the representative groups to engage with the Chair of the Board on such matters.
Since the Board's decision, CIB has held regional consultations with representatives of the CIS and MABS networks. In May, 300 representatives of staff, management, and volunteers, as well as Chairpersons and representatives of local CIS and MABS services attended these sessions. Over the summer, 238 people attended 8 Focus Groups hosted by CIB, at which service delivery strategy, board structures, linkages and staff roles under the new sixteen company model were discussed. CIB plans to hold a further Focus Group on Volunteers in October.
It is evident that CIB is seeking to implement the Board’s decision in a consultative way and is making genuine efforts to allay any concerns of staff and boards of local services in relation to the operation of the new sixteen company structure.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
687. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a mortgage interest supplement payment will be made to a person (details supplied); if their file has been retrieved from the archives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39156/17]
View answerThe persons concerned claim for Mortgage Interest Supplement was disallowed on 18/7/12 as they had not entered into and complied with an alternative repayment arrangement with their mortgage provider for a period of 12 months prior to their claim (Section 198 of The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, Subsections 5AA, 5AB and 5AC). The person concerned was advised at the time to contact their mortgage provider to discuss repayment options. The person concerned was also advised in July 2012 that they may reapply for Mortgage Interest Supplement after they had availed of an alternative arrangement with their mortgage lender for a total period of 12 months.
The person's concerned file has been retrieved from archives and it has been confirmed that no further application for Mortgage Interest Supplement was received from the person concerned by the Central Rents Unit since July 2012 when their claim was disallowed.
From 1st January 2014 the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme was closed to new entrants and no new applications will be accepted from this date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
688. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a social welfare appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39167/17]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal by the person concerned having been received by that office.
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.
690. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of the free TV licence scheme over the past ten years; and the number of persons who were covered by the scheme for each of those years. [39184/17]
View answerThe household benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence.
Prior to the capping of expenditure at 2010 levels and the subsequent cut of €5 million in the 2014 Budget for the Free TV licence scheme, payments were made to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, (DCCAE) for the Free TV licence scheme on a monthly basis using an agreed formula based on a percentage of the Department’s customer base. In Budget 2017 an additional €1 million was made available to increase the payment made to DCCAE.
There are 429,463 customers in receipt of the free television licence as of July 2017. The amounts paid and customers in receipt of the licence each year from 2008 to date are
|
Year |
Customers |
€ |
|
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (July ) 2017 |
372,152 381,142 394,030 404,619 408,626 413,214 407,824 419,209 424,492 (July) 429,463 |
53,700,925 55,703,654 57,184,565 57,184,560 57,184,560 57,184,560 52,184,556 52,184,556 52,184,556 (July ) *31,024,324 |
* This figure is the amount paid by my Department to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment as of July 2017 (€4,432,046 per month, projected expenditure for 2017 is €53,184,552).
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
691. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend the criteria for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in order to allow low-income families that do not claim a social welfare payment to avail of the scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39189/17]
View answerThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The Government has provided €47.4 million for the scheme in 2017 which operates from June to September.
In order to qualify for the allowance claimants must be in receipt of a qualifying payment. There is a broad range of qualifying payments which include:
- Weekly social welfare payments,
- Approved employment schemes,
- Recognised education or training courses such as Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) or Back To Education Allowance
- Further Education and Training Courses (formerly Fás), Fáilte Ireland or LES training scheme
In-work income supports for low-income working families, including family income supplement and the back to work family dividend are qualifying payments for BSCFA and income under these schemes is not included in the means assessment for BSCFA.
There are no current plans to amend the eligibility criteria for BSCFA. Any changes to the scheme would have to be considered in a budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
I would suggest that the family referred to by the Deputy should contact the Department to ensure that it is in receipt of all possible social welfare schemes to which it may have an entitlement.
692. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made regarding an appeal which has been submitted on behalf of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in assigning this file to an appeals officer despite it being in the urgent cases since 26 July 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39190/17]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to partially allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that appeals are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the volume of appeals on hand and the overall workload of the appeals office.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
693. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason staff at the pensions office in County Sligo are not using the car park facilities provided on site (details supplied); if efforts can be made from within her Department to address this situation going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39206/17]
View answerMy Department was not aware that there was an issue with its staff not using the on site parking facilities provided at its office at College Road, Sligo. On foot of the concerns expressed by the Deputy, a notice has issued to all staff members highlighting the issue.
The Department will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks.
694. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the grounds upon which an application for carer's allowance was unsuccessful in view of the information submitted in the case of a person (details supplied); when an appeal will be determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39251/17]
View answerMy Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 29 March 2017. Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 28 July 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The Department was notified on 14 August 2017 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
695. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the highest level of training on the NFQ that a person can participate in while partaking in a CE scheme as part of CE scheme training. [39304/17]
View answerDuring their time on Community Employment (CE) participants are encouraged and supported to work towards a major award/industry recognised standard of achievement to support progression to employment and further training and education. Participant training leading to an award on the National Framework of Qualification (NFQ) includes awards at QQI Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 or industry recognised equivalent. The award level must be appropriate to the individual's ability, prior education history and progression goals.
A participant training grant is allocated to each Community Employment Scheme. Training is based on the personal and occupational needs of each individual and is identified through the tailored Individual Learning Plan (ILP), agreed between the CE Supervisor with the participant. The ILP tracks, records and reports on all planned training interventions and achievements in line with the participant’s career plan and employment goals.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
696. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to recent changes to the back to education allowance (details supplied), if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties these changes pose particularly for persons that work at weekends and receive premium rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39312/17]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is designed primarily to support second chance education. It is an educational opportunities scheme for persons in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education in order to improve their employment prospects.
Entitlement to BTEA is conditional on having on-going entitlement to the qualifying scheme payment. The BTEA scheme has been amended in recent years to ensure that the conditions are in line with the qualifying payment. BTEA participants with eligibility based on jobseekers, transitional jobseeker's or one parent family payments who engage in part-time work will be assessed in accordance with their primary payment. This measure ensures that only participants who continue to satisfy the means test of their primary payment or another qualifying BTEA payment will continue to receive income support under BTEA and that resources are directed at those most in need of assistance.
The BTEA was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system. The student universal support Ireland (SUSI) grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
A new €500 annual Cost of Education Allowance will be made available to Back to Education Allowance participants with children from the next academic year in September. This will help parents, including lone parents, to return to education. Additionally the age related payments will no longer apply to participants of the BTEA, as a result students who have a reduced payment on their primary scheme payment will now benefit from the maximum rate of payment from the new academic year.
Overall, the priority for my Department is that the BTEA scheme will be focused, targeted and suitable for the needs of jobseekers and of the future skills needs of the economy. It is only in that context that changes to BTEA will be considered. I have no plans to change the current rules for the Allowance.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
697. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39370/17]
View answerThe lady referred to has been awarded an invalidity pension with effect from the 02 March 2017. Payment will issue to her nominated bank account on the 28 September 2017. Any arrears due from 02 March 2017 to 27 September 2017 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The lady in question was notified of this decision on the 11 September 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
699. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39405/17]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25 July 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 Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 August 2017 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 Employment Affairs and 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.
700. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which an Irish citizen in receipt of a State pension but living abroad can apply for a public services card if they do not have an address here. [39425/17]
View answerA Public Services Card may be issued to an individual who has successfully authenticated their identity to SAFE Level 2 (substantial level of assurance). Roll-out of the SAFE registration programme commenced in 2011 and initial concentration has been on individuals who are resident in Ireland or otherwise have a requirement for SAFE registration (e.g. residents of Northern Ireland who require a PPSN for purposes of employment in Ireland).
Face-to-face SAFE 2 registration, which involves the capture of an individual's photograph and signature and the verification of identity data already held by the Department, is taking place countrywide in 100 offices of the Department. Online self-scheduling via www.mywelfare.ie is available and walk-ins are also welcome.
The Department is not requesting people living abroad and in receipt of a State Pension to be registered to SAFE level 2 or to have a Public Services Card in this phase of the roll-out programme. Accordingly, the current methods of undertaking SAFE Level 2 registration do not facilitate such individuals while they are abroad. The general issue of facilitating non-residents will be dealt with in later phases of the roll-out programme in conjunction with other Departments/Offices with similar requirements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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 answerInvalidity 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.
702. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding applying for disability allowance while on jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39445/17]
View answerWhere a person applies for disability allowance while in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance, the jobseeker’s allowance payment continues pending the result of the disability allowance claim.
Where the person’s application for disability allowance has not been successful jobseeker’s allowance may continue to be paid subject to all the conditions of the scheme being satisfied including the requirement to be capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking employment.
