Written Answers Nos. 827-846
833. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if seasonal workers who have been unable to take up employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be able to stay on jobseeker's benefit even in instances in which they no longer have a sufficient number of stamps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12048/20]
View answerJobseeker's benefit is a weekly payment to people who have lost their employment and who satisfy the scheme's statutory conditions including the requirement to have sufficient social insurance contributions paid. This benefit is paid for 9 months (234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid and for 6 months (156 days) for people who have less than 260 paid.
Where a person has exhausted their claim for jobseeker’s benefit they may apply for support under the means tested jobseeker’s allowance.
I trust that this clarifies the matter.
834. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to return to weekly social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12081/20]
View answerMy Department introduced a series of measures to maintain social welfare payments while assisting with social distancing measures designed to combat the spread of the Corona virus.
Fortnightly payments were introduced to minimise the need for people to attend and queue in banks or post offices to collect payments, so helping people restrict their movements to essential activities only. These were introduced on a ‘payment in advance’ basis so people did not have to wait two weeks for a payment.
Some payments, such as Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit and Parental Benefit, which are paid exclusively into a customer's bank account by Electronic Fund Transfer, have reverted to a weekly payment pattern. The situation in relation to the reversion of other schemes - which are paid in post offices as well as by EFT - back to weekly payments will be kept under review given the need to maintain social distancing.
835. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision will be expedited in relation to a disability appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12091/20]
View answerFollowing a successful appeal, this lady has been awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 9 October 2019. The first payment was made by her chosen payment method on 17 June 2020. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 3 June 2020.
Arrears of payment due, will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
836. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment will be eligible for other welfare supports such as rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12102/20]
View answerRent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 21,150 recipients.
Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment and is available as a short-term income support to those in the private rented sector. In view of the difficulties created for many in the private rented sector who have lost significant employment income at this time, the Department will use the full flexibility of the scheme to provide the necessary support, including eligible customers in receipt of the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment.
Moratoriums on evictions and rent increases are being introduced for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency and should give some assurance to tenants during this time. Any person experiencing increased rents or facing the threat of the loss of their tenancy under rent supplement are urged to contact the Department’s Community Welfare Service without delay.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for other financial supports under the means tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.
837. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person can avail of the pandemic unemployment payment, which he or she would get if his or her# place of work is still closed, in the situation in which his or her place of work has reopened, but have written medical advice to not return to work at this time due to the fact he or she is particularly high risk if he or she contracts Covid-19, for example, if he or she has an underlying health condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12115/20]
View answerA person who is cocooning for medical reasons is not entitled to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment unless they meet the conditions of the payment, including that they:
- have lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or
- have been temporarily laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic
In these situations their eligibility for the payment is based on their employment status, not on their health status. When the workplace re-opens, the person is expected to return to work.
Employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible. The Return to Work Safely Protocol provides that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres.
Standard Illness Benefit payment may be payable subject to normal certification and eligibility criteria to a person with a serious health condition, where a medical practitioner provides a Certificate of Incapacity for Work that a person is incapable of work due to the medical condition. This may be paid for an extended period, depending on the person’s continued eligibility.
838. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12148/20]
View answerIn the context of discussions by members of the 33rd Dáil on formation of a Government, factual briefing was provided by the Civil Service including my Department.
I understand that the Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of this material provided by Government Departments, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party as part of Government formation negotiations.
839. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) appeal submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12167/20]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 25 February 2020. The Appeals Officer requested clarification on certain issues from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Once this has been received, the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required and possible in the context of Covid-19 restrictions, 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
840. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an education training grant will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to allow that person to take up a course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12234/20]
View answerI am advised that the person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit, and that the Department has not yet received an application for a training support grant or correspondence seeking to do a course while on Illness Benefit.
If the person concerned wants to do a course while on Illness Benefit, it is necessary for the them to obtain permission from the Department.
The following details are required in order to apply for permission to do a course while on Illness Benefit.
- Name and address of the college or course provider, on their headed paper;
- Course title and details of the course;
- Proposed start date;
- How long the course will last including its end date; and
- confirmation that no payment will be made to the customer while participating on the course (other than the Educational Training Allowance payable under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme).
The person's PPS number should be stated on all correspondence to the Department.
The person concerned can submit these details to the Department and their entitlement to do a course will be reviewed by a Deciding Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
841. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of Covid-19 rent supplement applications received from 13 March 2020 to the most recent date for which figures are available; the number of claims in payment on the most recent date for which figures are available; the breakdown of these claims; the average payment by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12253/20]
View answerRent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 21,200 recipients.
The scheme provides short-term income support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, and due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Since the introduction of the Government’s Covid emergency response approximately 7,030 customers have been provided rent supplement support and remain in payment; in addition, there are currently, approximately, 1,350 pending customers awaiting a decision or in the process of providing the necessary documentation to the officer dealing with their claim. Statistics in relation to overall approval/refusal rates in relation to the Scheme are not currently available.
The Department’s current flexible rent supplement response has been extended to end-August 2020 and remains under review within context of the overall Government response to the Covid-19 emergency.
The cases that are currently in payment and awarded from the 13 March 2020 by county, including the average rate of support, along with cases currently pending a decision (or documentation still outstanding) are provided in the attached tabular statement.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Table 1: Rent Supplement Awards Post 13th March & Pending Claims as at 15 th June 2020.
|
County |
Awarded and in Payment |
Pending Claims |
Average Rate of Payment Support |
|
CARLOW |
105 |
22 |
498 |
|
CAVAN |
113 |
13 |
454 |
|
CLARE |
114 |
16 |
448 |
|
CORK |
753 |
384 |
616 |
|
DONEGAL |
120 |
7 |
377 |
|
DUBLIN |
2,840 |
491 |
783 |
|
GALWAY |
369 |
96 |
607 |
|
KERRY |
287 |
35 |
538 |
|
KILDARE |
334 |
57 |
790 |
|
KILKENNY |
120 |
27 |
529 |
|
LAOIS |
103 |
12 |
618 |
|
LEITRIM |
34 |
2 |
349 |
|
LIMERICK |
272 |
1 |
543 |
|
LONGFORD |
37 |
16 |
383 |
|
LOUTH |
117 |
21 |
647 |
|
MAYO |
130 |
19 |
444 |
|
MEATH |
200 |
18 |
732 |
|
MONAGHAN |
51 |
4 |
418 |
|
OFFALY |
44 |
7 |
475 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
63 |
20 |
429 |
|
SLIGO |
73 |
7 |
430 |
|
TIPPERARY |
153 |
17 |
487 |
|
WATERFORD |
37 |
10 |
257 |
|
WESTMEATH |
126 |
1 |
541 |
|
WEXFORD |
163 |
14 |
468 |
|
WICKLOW |
271 |
27 |
672 |
|
7,029 |
1,344 |
657 |
842. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12314/20]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 25 February 2020.
The file was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 6 March 2020 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied.
On foot of the SWI's report, additional information in relation to hospital admission and discharge dates was requested by a deciding officer on 11 June 2020.
Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
843. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the guidance given to community welfare officers to guide their decisions in assessing social welfare and emergency payment claims for persons in hospital in a coma; if a copy of the guidance will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12331/20]
View answerThe Community Welfare Service administers the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which offers a safety net within the overall social welfare system by providing assistance to those whose means are insufficient to meet their own needs and those of their dependants.
There are no specific guidelines for the Community Welfare Service in the circumstances outlined where the person in need of assistance is in a coma. However, it may be possible for a family member to engage with the Community Welfare Service in order to seek an exceptional needs payment to meet immediate needs and to explore whether longer term income supports may be appropriate. Social Welfare legislation contains provisions that allow for the appointment of an agent in circumstances where a customer is unable for the time being to manage their own financial affairs.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
844. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider putting temporary measures in place to help those who have invisible and-or underlying health conditions, been in self-imposed isolation and are unable to continue in their jobs in the current climate. [12347/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1), and subsequent regulations, the Government, having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of Covid-19, made exceptional provision in the public interest and to mitigate the effect of the spread of the disease to amend and extend the Social Welfare Acts to provide for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with, or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
The rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with COVID-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of COVID-19, that the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
Medical practitioners are only authorised to submit medical certificates in respect of COVID-19 in respect of two very limited circumstances under the legislation. These are for a person:
(i) who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(ii) who is a probable source of infection of COVID-19 and is self-isolating – such persons will have a certificate of incapacity from their doctor or will have received personal HSE notification (that is, where they are contact-traced or otherwise personally identified and advised by the HSE as being a probable source of infection).
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of COVID-19 and up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Where an employee is unable to return to the workplace because they are still ill with Covid-19 they may apply for standard illness benefit which is paid at a maximum weekly personal rate of €203. Increases may also be paid for qualifying adults and children. Illness benefit claims require medical certification of illness that a person is incapable of work.
Where a person is not eligible for the enhanced rate, standard Illness Benefit payment may be payable subject to normal certification and eligibility criteria to a person with a serious health condition, where a medical practitioner provides a certificate of incapacity stating that a person is incapable of work due to the medical condition. This may be paid for an extended period, depending on the person's continued eligibility.
Employees who cocoon without a medical certificate may approach their employer in relation to taking annual or other paid leave - this is at the discretion of the employer. Many employers can, and do, agree leave arrangements with staff who need to take short periods of time off. These include arrangements to enable employees to work remotely from home, to work-up time taken, or to bring forward annual leave entitlements from future work periods. The Government has encouraged employers to support workers with leave requests at this difficult time and those with underlying health conditions should be facilitated where possible.
The Return to Work Safely Protocol provides that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.
In general, if people have additional expenses related to their illness or they are struggling financially, they can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is a means-tested payment.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
845. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has not received backdated pandemic unemployment payments from the date he or she was made unemployed; the reason the local Intreo office is unable to facilitate this; if the person is entitled to such back payments; the process for claiming the back payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12353/20]
View answerThe Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced by my Department in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. To be eligible for the Covid-19 PUP a person must have been in employment or self-employment on or after 06/03/2020 and must have lost their employment or self-employment due to a downturn in economic activity related to Covid-19.
According to the records of my Department, Mr. Carroll applied for a Covid-19 PUP on 25/03/2020, entering his date last worked as 14/03/2020. Subsequently, a Covid-19 PUP was awarded and Mr. Carroll received his first payment on 31/03/2020. He has been in receipt of this income support on a weekly basis since.
The current focus is on ensuring that payments are made and continue to be paid to all who qualify for them. My Department is aware that many people are due some arrears and that each person's case is unique. This means that each application may need to be individually reviewed to accurately calculate any arrears.
All cases will be examined and where arrears arise they will be processed and applicants will be notified. Updates on the process will be available on www.gov.ie/deasp.
In the meantime, if Mr. Carroll is experiencing financial difficulties he can contact his local Community Welfare Service in the Clondalkin Intreo Centre where his circumstances will be assessed. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The Community Welfare Service may be contacted by phone at 01 4667200 or by email at clondalkinlucancws@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
