Michael McNamara
Question:502. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3788/21]
View answerDisability Allowance
Questions (502)
Written answers
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 28 October 2020. The first payment will be made by her chosen payment method on 10 February 2021.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments (if applicable).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Questions (503)
Michael McNamara
Question:503. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3802/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 November 2020. 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 Social Protection. Those papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 15 December 2020 and the case was referred on 23 December 2020 to an Appeals Officer .
The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 504 answered with Question No. 493.
Disability Allowance
Questions (505)
Bernard Durkan
Question:505. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when disability allowance will be returned to the higher rate in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3875/21]
View answerWritten answers
Following a review of the entitlement of the person concerned, it was found that she had a decrease in her means from her previous assessment and a maximum rate of disability allowance (DA) was awarded with effect from 22 April 2020.
A letter issued to the person concerned informing her of this on 19 January 2021. Arrears of payment due have also issued to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension
Questions (506)
John McGuinness
Question:506. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be approved and expedited. [3882/21]
View answerWritten answers
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 17 September 2020. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on 14 October 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The lady concerned requested a review of the decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her review and also lodged an appeal of the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision and notification of the outcome of the review issued to her on 05 January 2021. A submission has been prepared by the Department and forwarded to the SWAO on 21 January 2021 for determination. The SWAO will be in touch with the person concerned directly in due course in relation to the progress of her appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Questions (507)
Bernard Durkan
Question:507. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3905/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 December 2020. 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 Social Protection. Those papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22 December 2020 and referred to an Appeals Officer on the same day.
The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pension (Contributory)
Questions (508)
Michael McNamara
Question:508. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4016/21]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned reached pension age on 12 April 2020. They applied for State pension (contributory) on 7 April 2020. According to the records of my Department, they have a contribution record of 364 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As these contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for standard State pension (contributory).
Since the person concerned was employed in the public sector for the tax years from 1974/75 to 1989/90, during which period modified contributions were payable, their entitlement to a mixed insurance pro rata State pension (contributory) was also determined, based on their combined modified and full-rate social insurance records. They qualify for a reduced rate (45.1%) of State pension (contributory).
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance. State pension (contributory) and Carer’s Allowance can be paid concurrently where the qualifying conditions for both schemes are satisfied. Where an applicant qualifies for both schemes, the applicant’s entitlement to carer’s allowance is paid at half the weekly rate.
However, in this person’s case, they are financially better off to remain on the full weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance, rather than being awarded their State pension (contributory) entitlement with half-rate Carer’s Allowance. They were notified in writing of the pension decision on 5 January 2021 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based.
If the person’s circumstances change, they should notify my Department and their pension claim will be reviewed. Additionally, if they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, they should forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.
The person concerned may wish to consider applying for State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the applicant (and spouse/civil partner/cohabitant as applicable). Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Questions (509)
Niall Collins
Question:509. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons can claim arrears of the pandemic unemployment payment; if the amount of arrears is capped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4019/21]
View answerWritten answers
In common with all other social welfare schemes, claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment should be made in a timely manner. The quickest and easiest way to apply for the payment is online at www.MyWelfare.ie. The prescribed time for making a claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is in line with the provisions applying to Jobseeker's Benefit and Allowance, and claims should be made on the first day that a person is unemployed. If a person makes a late application they may lose out on payment. Social welfare legislation also provides that where a claimant proves to the satisfaction of a deciding officer or an appeals officer that there was good cause for the delay in making a claim, then the claim may be backdated. However, payment cannot be made for any period exceeding 6 months before the date on which the claim was made.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Jobseeker's Payments
Questions (510)
Paul Murphy
Question:510. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the review of the backdated payments due to workers (details supplied) under the short-time work support scheme; if in the process of that review, her Department has had the co-operation of the management of the company in processing short-time work support claims by the workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4029/21]
View answerWritten answers
A review team has been set up in my Department to review claims from employees of the company concerned for the period between March and end-August when the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme was in payment. The Department is reviewing 2,668 claims for a jobseeker's payment and is writing to the individual employees requesting that they contact their employer for the information that is required to complete the review. The employer is required to complete a UP38 form in respect of the employee, providing details for each day in the review period on whether the employee was employed/remunerated.
Entitlement to a casual jobseeker's or short-time work support payment for any day during the review period depends, among other things, on whether or not a person received remuneration from their employer, including TWSS, for that day. Each case needs to be examined individually to determine if the remuneration paid by the company concerned was in respect of a complete period or only specific days within a period. This will determine if a person may be entitled to a casual jobseeker's payment in respect of the days on which a person did not work and were not remunerated.
My Department has engaged with the company and has made an arrangement that where completion of a UP38 is requested, the company is aware of what is required and will immediately supply it to the employee.
Because of the volume and complexity of claims involved and the need to go back to individuals, the process will take some time.
My staff are working to complete the reviews as quickly as possible. A response will issue to each individual applicant advising them of the decision on their claim. The letter will also provide details of the Appeals process if a person is dissatisfied with the decision and wants to seek a review by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
It should be noted that all of the cases under review are currently in payment and, as only the March to August period when TWSS was in operation is under review, current payments should not be affected.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
Local Authority Funding
Questions (511)
Catherine Murphy
Question:511. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4063/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Social Protection does not have specific funding streams available to local authorities.
Personal Public Service Numbers
Questions (512)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:512. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection if a resolution will be found in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4083/21]
View answerWritten answers
My officials have advised that the PPSN application for the person concerned was processed and a PPSN has been allocated.
I can confirm that a PPSN for the person concerned was issued by post on 13/1/21.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (513)
Thomas Pringle
Question:513. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 3 December 2020, if an update is available from the interdepartmental group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4105/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Inclusion Roadmap Steering Group (SIRSG), which I chair, met for the first time on Wednesday, 11 November 2020. This group is comprised of senior representatives of responsible Departments and three external members from the Community and Voluntary Sector and was established to monitor progress and oversee the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion.
During this meeting each Department provided the interdepartmental group with an update on the progress of its commitments within the Roadmap. While the commitments and targets were agreed pre-Covid, the implementation of the Roadmap and delivery of the commitments remains important for supporting the most vulnerable within our society.
I asked each Department to consider how COVID-19 has affected people who are experiencing deprivation and/or poverty, and other vulnerable groups. This can then inform policy responses across government to deliver better outcomes in these areas. The group next meets at the end of March and I will be asking Department representatives for updates on this issue.
Progress on the implementation of the Roadmap commitments will be reported on an annual basis with the production of an annual report and report card on progress against each commitment and key metric. It is expected that the 2020 report will be published within the coming months.
The Parliamentary Question on 3 December referred to the instances of Covid-19 compared with the Pobal areas of deprivation throughout the country. As noted at the time, analysis of the instances of Covid-19 throughout the country does not fall within the remit of my Department as it is more proper to the Department of Health. I understand that there are challenges in aligning data on the incidence of COVID-19 with data on deprivation. However, officials in the Department of Social Protection are in discussions with their counterparts in the Department of Health, Pobal and other relevant departments as to how this can be addressed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (514)
Paul Murphy
Question:514. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department continues to review social protection payments, including seeking bank statements for six months from persons despite the level 5 lockdown (details supplied). [4112/21]
View answerWritten answers
Qualification for a number of assistance payments from my Department require a means test to be undertaken to assess a person's eligibility for a payment. All social protection payments are subject to review and part of this process may include the requirement for a person to provide bank statements in support of their claim. One of the factors that are taken into account in the calculation of means is any investments and savings that the person may have. To carry out a means test in respect of savings, original bank statements should be provided. However, if it is not possible to provide an original bank statement an officer may decide to accept a copy of the statement. These statements may be emailed or posted to the relevant Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. There is no requirement for any person to attend an office during the pandemic and the current level 5 situation.
If any person requires assistance with the completion of forms or the provision of documentation they should contact their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch office by phone or email or they may also contact the Citizen's Information Service for assistance where required.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pension (Contributory)
Questions (515)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:515. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a pension for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4115/21]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned reached pension age on 18 June 2020 and applied for State pension (contributory) on 11 November 2020.
They have been awarded 65.91% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) with effect from their 66th birthday. They were notified in writing of this decision and arrears due on 21 January 2021.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance
Questions (516)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:516. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4118/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 October 2020. 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 Social Protection. Those papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 25 November 2020 and the case was referred on 3 December 2020 to an Appeals Officer.
The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Company Liquidations
Questions (517)
Kieran O'Donnell
Question:517. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the liquidation of a company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4133/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Redundancy Payments Act 1967 as amended gives an entitlement to employees who have been made redundant and have at least two years’ service with their employer. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy payments to those employees that qualify. Where an employee feels that they are entitled to a redundancy payment in accordance with the Act, they should make an application to their employer, or as in this case, to the employer representative which will be the liquidator.
Where a business is not in a position to pay redundancy, the business or their representative may make an application under the Redundancy Payments Scheme to the Department of Social Protection. Further information is available on www.gov.ie. Enquiries relating to the scheme can be sent to redundancypayments@welfare.ie.
As the Deputy will appreciate I cannot refer to a particular case. However I understand the issue of concern relates to eligibility under the Redundancy Payments Scheme where certain PRSI contributions have been paid. At a general level, I can confirm that in most cases company directors, who were paying class S PRSI contributions at the time of the termination of employment will not qualify for payment under the Redundancy Payments Scheme.
Policy responsibility for the Redundancy Payments Acts transferred to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment on 14th October 2020. General enquiries in respect of employee rights under the Act should be sent to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Question No. 518 answered with Question No. 493.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (519)
Martin Browne
Question:519. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who applied for hearing aids under the treatment benefit scheme in 2018, 2019 and 2020; the cost in each year; and when the hearing aid grant was last reviewed. [4205/21]
View answerWritten answers
The numbers of applications under the Medical Appliance scheme in the years 2018 to 2020 are outlined in the following table. A report on the "Cost of Hearing Aids and the Adequacy of Financial Supports", in the context of the supports offered under the Treatment Benefit scheme, was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in August 2020.
|
Year |
Claims |
Expenditure in millions euros |
|
2020 |
13,548 |
12.01m |
|
2019 |
14,657 |
12.86m |
|
2018 |
14,689 |
12.74m |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme
Questions (520)
Dara Calleary
Question:520. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the time limits for back to work enterprise allowance to recipients given that many will see their payment cease in 2021 and have not had the opportunity to achieve the full benefit of the payment due to Covid-19 lockdowns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4225/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for the long term unemployed and is payable for a 24 month period from the commencement of their new business.
All participants of the BTWEA will receive their full period of entitlement of 24 months. This includes anyone who contacted the Department to suspend their allowance while their business closed during Covid related restrictions. Where someone suspended their BTWEA, they can avail of the remainder of their 24 months on reopening their business.
Aside from BTWEA, those in self-employment may have other income support options available from the Department depending on their circumstances. A BTWEA participant, whose 24 month payment comes to an end while their business continues to be impacted by current trading conditions, may be entitled to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance payment depending on this situation.
If there is a particular case that the Deputy has a concern about, my officials would be happy to examine it and advise of the options available.
I trust this clarifies the position.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Questions (521)
Bernard Durkan
Question:521. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for supplementary welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4251/21]
View answerWritten answers
My officials have advised an application for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment submitted by the person concerned has been awarded with effect from 07/01/2021.
The person concerned has been certified medically unfit to work until 05/02/21 but is not eligible for an Illness Benefit payment due to insufficient contributions paid.
I trust this clarifies the matter.