Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
378. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of audits of visually impaired persons in receipt of the blind persons pension that were carried out in 2018 and 2019; and the reason these audits were necessary in circumstances in which all recipients of the pension have very limited financial means. [27571/21]
View answerBlind pension is a residency based means tested payment paid to blind and visually impaired people between the age of 18 and 66 who are habitually resident in the State. There are currently 1,069 customers in receipt of blind pension.
It is the policy of my Department that claims across social welfare schemes and programmes are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure the continuing eligibility of customers. In addition, social welfare recipients are obliged to notify my Department of any changes that may affect their entitlement, or rate of entitlement, including any changes in means for those on assistance payments.
In 2018, 194 reviews of blind pension claims were carried out, with 261 completed in 2019.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
