Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2021
174. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare application by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28489/21]
View answerAll disability allowance (DA) claims are subject to periodic reviews. The entitlement of the person concerned was reviewed by a social welfare inspector (SWI) and it was established that she had means not previously disclosed to the Department. On 21 January 2020 the person concerned was notified that her DA payment would be stopped due to having means in excess of the statutory limit with effect from 29 January 2020. She was also advised of her right to request a review of the decision or to appeal it to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO).
Following an appeal to the SWAO the decision was upheld with effect from 1 April 2020; however, the appeal was partially allowed from 29 January 2020 to 31 March 2020 as the person concerned was entitled to a reduced DA payment for that period. A letter issued informing her of this decision on 15 January 2021 and the arrears due for that period issued to the person concerned.
The SWAO stated that further evidence was required in order to determine the means of the person concerned from 17 July 2020. Further information has been received and is currently being reviewed by a deciding officer (DO). The person concerned will be notified in writing when a decision is made on her DA review.
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 only received one INVP claim for this lady on 7 February 2001. The claim was refused on the 6th March of that year on the grounds that the person concerned was not medically suitable.
According to my officials, there is no record of an application for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance registered in the case of the person concerned. For convenience, an application pack has issued by post for completion and return to the Community Welfare Service at Balbriggan Intreo Centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
