Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
697. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review will be undertaken of the recent decision to cease disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); if same will be undertaken as soon as possible in view of the fact the family has limited means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21814/20]
View answerFollowing a review of the entitlement of the person concerned, disability allowance (DA) was disallowed with effect from 26 August 2020. Based on the information provided to my department, the person concerned was deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit for her circumstances.
When assessing means for DA, the Department has to establish an acceptable average pattern of earnings which takes account of fluctuations in earnings. In this case, the Department has taken the average earnings over a period of time by taking the cumulative gross and dividing it over the weeks worked less any applicable deductions.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 19 August 2020 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). No request for an appeal or review has been received from the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
