James Lawless
Question:425. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of social protection applications by persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5589/21]
View answerWednesday, 3 February 2021
Questions (425)
Written answers
According to the records of my Department the first person concerned submitted an application for a rent supplement payment with effect from 28 September 2020. The application was disallowed on the basis that the person concerned had not established a reduction in household income as a result of the Pandemic and has therefore not established a need for a Rent Supplement. It was also determined that the person concerned could not have reasonably afforded the rent from his own resources at the time of taking up the tenancy. A condition of receiving Rent Supplement is that the applicant must have been able to afford the rent at the beginning of their tenancy. The decision was effective from 28 September 2020.
The person concerned was advised that if he was not satisfied with the decision of the designated person he could appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office which functions independently of my Department. He was also advised that if his circumstances change in the future that a new Rent Supplement application can be submitted.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from the first named person on 3 November 2020. On 9 November 2020 and again on 13 January 2021 the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on his eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made on his DA application and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
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 15 October 2020. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on 14 November 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal. To date, no request for a review and or appeal has been received from the person concerned.
The person concerned submitted an application for Illness Benefit (IB) from the 25 September 2020. He did not qualify for an Illness Benefit payment in 2020 as he did not satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions. However, the person concerned does qualify for IB from the 4 January 2021 at a rate of €131.00 per week. This decision was notified to the person concerned on 28 January 2021. i understand that he is currently certified as unfit for work until 14 January 2021.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of another payment from the Department which overlaps with his IB claim. This overlap is being dealt with currently and any money due to the person concerned will issue to him in due course.
Carer'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. I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the second named person on 20 October 2020.
The application was awarded to the person concerned on 1 December 2020 with effect from 22 October 2020. The first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 10 December 2020. This included arrears of allowance due from 22 October 2020 to 9 December 2020 less any overpayments that occurred. The person concerned was notified on 1 December 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.