Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
430. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the living alone allowance will be backdated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59234/22]
View answerAn application for living alone allowance increase was received in my Department from the person concerned on the 29th September 2022. A living alone allowance increase was awarded at the weekly rate of €22.00 from the 1st April 2022. The allowance was backdated for 6 months in accordance with the current backdating legislative provisions. A decision to that effect issued to the person concerned by letter dated 22nd October 2022.Further backdating of this pension increase, beyond the six months granted, may only be considered where the delay in making the claim was due to incorrect information provided by an officer of my Department, or due to the person being so incapacitated that they were unable to make a claim, or appoint a person to act on their behalf.
A Deciding Officer has reviewed the living alone increase award date and having considered all the evidence is satisfied that the claim to the living alone allowance has been backdated in accordance with the current legislative provisions. A letter to that effect has been posted to the person concerned.
If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision they can request a further review by contacting my Department with any documentary evidence relevant to support their claim.
Alternatively, the person concerned can appeal the decision by writing to the Chief Appeals Officer, Social Welfare Appeals Office, D’Olier House, Dublin 2, stating clearly their grounds for appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
