Michael Healy-Rae
Question:136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50215/21]
View answerThursday, 14 October 2021
Questions (136)
Written 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 25 February 2021. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Notification of the decision issued to the person concerned on 20 April 2021, informing him of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of the decision and submitted additional medical evidence which was reviewed by a deciding officer and the decision to disallow IP was upheld. The file was forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) for determination and an appeals officer (AO), having taken all available information into account, upheld the department’s decision and disallowed the appeal. The person in question was notified of the decision of the AO on 03 September 2021. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in the absence of additional relevant evidence not available at the time of the appeal. It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application for IP.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.