John McGuinness
Question:345. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a payment under appeal in the name of a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [52312/19]
View answerThursday, 12 December 2019
Questions (345)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 November 2019. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I have also been advised that if this person's family is experiencing financial hardship it is open to them to visit their local Community Welfare Officer and discuss their circumstances with them in respect of the availability of supplementary welfare allowance.
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.