Seán Fleming
Question:1196. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a scenario (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5585/20]
View answerWednesday, 20 May 2020
Questions (1196)
Written answers
Entitlement to disability allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions.
In order to qualify for the scheme on medical grounds a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications. The disability allowance scheme is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in work where this is appropriate, either in self-employment or in insurable employment. Each application for disability allowance is assessed on its own merits.
Where a disability allowance claim is disallowed on the basis that a person is not medically incapable of work and that decision is subsequently appealed, jobseekers allowance is not payable during the time that the disallowance is under appeal. In order to qualify for a jobseeker's payment a person must satisfy the conditions for the scheme which include being capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
Persons in this position who are awaiting the outcome of their appeals and whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and the needs of their adult or child dependant(s) should apply for basic supplementary welfare allowance.
I trust this clarifies the mater of the Deputy.