Bernard Durkan
Question:163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full review will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10250/22]
View answerWednesday, 23 February 2022
Questions (163)
Written answers
Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
In accordance with Social Welfare legislation the person with whom a qualified child normally resides is qualified to receive child benefit in respect of that child.
The person concerned received child benefit for her daughter for a period when the child no longer resided with her. As a result, she was not entitled to payment for the period in question and a revised decision was made disallowing child benefit in respect of the period concerned (August to October 2006). This resulted in an overpayment of €450.00. She was notified of the decision and the overpayment amount in November 2006.
The Department has already reviewed this matter as a result of an earlier PQ (reference 52235/2017) and is satisfied that the payments issued to the same Post Office as other earlier child benefit payments made to the same person. Social Welfare payments made at Post Offices must be collected in person by the customer, who must be able to identify themselves to the satisfaction of the Post Office agent.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.