Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
382. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability claim by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60499/21]
View answerDisability allowance (DA) is a means tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. In summary, any income, with some exceptions, belonging to the person is assessable as means for DA purposes.
The person in question was disallowed DA on 8 July 2019 as they failed to provide sufficient information in order for a Deciding Officer to determine that their means did not exceed the statutory maximum allowed under the DA scheme. They failed to supply information requested relating to a trust fund.
Subsequently they appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). Following due consideration, the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 4 October 2019. They was notified of this decision in writing by the SWAO on the same date. An AO’s decision is final and conclusive, in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
It is open to the person in question to reapply for DA. The Department has not had correspondence from the person in question in relation to their DA application since 2019. If they would like to email directly to the DA scheme area the email address is DA_InetInfo@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
