Thursday, 9 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 179-198

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (179)

Michael Creed

Question:

179. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the free fuel allowance. [6237/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.

The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 06 January 2023. They were notified in writing on 03 February 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (180, 200)

Colm Burke

Question:

180. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of additional people aged over 70 years who have benefitted to date from the widening of the eligibility criteria around fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6260/23]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

200. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the levels of take-up of the newly increased fuel allowance thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6404/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 200 together.

The Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist long-term social welfare dependent householders and those aged 70 and over with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs; it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made over the winter season at the weekly rate of €33.00 or, if preferred, by way of two instalment payments. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.

As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 billion, I was pleased to secure a major expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme, expected to benefit up to 81,000 additional households during this fuel allowance season.

Since the budget announcement, my officials have put additional measures in place so that Fuel Allowance applications are processed as efficiently as possible. A number of changes were made to the Department’s IT systems and additional staffing resources are in place to help process the increased number of applications received. A telephone service is also in place to support customers.

A new streamlined online application service was opened on 5 December 2022 to assist applicants, especially those over 70, to apply for the payment at a time and place that suits them. A new shorter paper application for those over 70 is also available to download from the Governments website, gov.ie. In early December, an information campaign commenced to raise awareness about the payment and the new online service, particularly amongst those over age 70.

The Department generally collates data on an annual basis. As of the end of December 2021, the Fuel Allowance scheme supported approximately 375,000 households. By the end of 2022, the number of households supported had increased to almost 394,000. It should be noted that the number of recipients fluctuates as people join and exit the scheme as their circumstances change.

Precise information on the number of applicants under age 70 who benefited from the increase in the weekly means threshold, from €120 to €200, is not readily available as Fuel Allowance is paid in conjunction with primary social welfare schemes across a number of IT systems with differing functionality for recording processing activity. As the Department upgrades these systems, it is expected that this data will become available in the future.

The budget measures, of most benefit to those over age 70, are effective from week commencing 2 January 2023. As at the end of January 2023, some 14,800 applicants aged 70 and over have qualified for Fuel Allowance since the start of the 2022/23 season [on 26 September 2022]. Of these, some 10,400 have qualified with effect from 2 January 2023 (or later where applicable).

I am informed that higher than normal levels of applications continue to be received from those aged 70 and over. The pensions areas are working through these applications as quickly as possible and expect to have processed the vast majority over the coming weeks.

I can assure the Deputies that where an application is awarded, there will be no loss in payment to the qualified households concerned as the payment will be backdated as appropriate.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (181)

Colm Burke

Question:

181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will undertake a review of the means assessment criteria for social protection allowances and benefits, in order to widen the eligibility criteria for people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6261/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Means tests in my Department are kept under regular review and a number of significant changes have been made in recent years. In particular, I have introduced a number of changes to means testing which provide for higher income disregards.

I have committed to a carrying out broad review of means testing this year which will include a review of criteria across social protection allowances and benefits.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Schemes

Questions (182)

David Cullinane

Question:

182. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of outstanding cases, both active and dormant, which were not otherwise resolved by settlement or withdrawal, in relation to DPMA or disability allowance litigation; the date of the earliest outstanding case; and the date of the latest outstanding case. [6292/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

As the Deputy will be aware, the Attorney General has recently reported on matters related to historical DPMA/DA litigation and I, and the Minister for Health, have been asked to review this report and revert to Government within three months.

My review will include an examination of all available records to determine what cases may exist.

Social Welfare Schemes

Questions (183)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

183. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind pension as of January 2023; the total spend on each payment in January 2023 following the implementation of the €12 rate increase; and if she will provide this information in tabular form, by payment. [6304/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The table below shows the average number of recipients and the expenditure for disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind pension in January 2023. These figures are provisional.

	Estimated No of Recipients in January 2023	Expenditure in January 2023
	#	€m
Disability Allowance	156,970	153.8
Invalidity Pension	55,113	57.7
Blind Pension	988	0.95

Allowance are due their payment on a Wednesday, while, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension payments are due on Thursday. There were 4 weekly payments for these schemes in January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (184)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

184. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if she will ask her Department’s officials to review the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.

The means limit in 2022 for the person concerned was €600.30 and their household means was calculated as €602.13. Regardless of the means limit set, there will always be individuals who will be marginally over; however, the means limit needs to be applied consistently to be fair to all applicants.

Due to the increases in the means limit introduced in 2023, the Fuel allowance has been awarded to the person concerned from 06 January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

State Pensions

Questions (185)

Frankie Feighan

Question:

185. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person could be refused a full pension after returning to live in Ireland from the UK. [6341/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

To qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), a person must have entered the social insurance system before their 56th birthday and have a minimum of 520 paid contributions. If they have not reached this minimum requirement with Irish and British contributions combined, they will not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) payment.

The rate at which a person is paid can depend on a number of factors. For the yearly average (YA) method, they may receive less than the maximum payment if they have an average of 47 contributions, paid or credited, for each year that they have been in insurable work. Under the interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA), a total of 2080 contributions, paid or credited, is required for the maximum payment.

Social Insurance contributions made in Britain can be added to a person's record in Ireland under both methods of calculation and this information is requested during the application process.

If a person qualifies for a payment, but not at the full rate, the most likely reason is they do not have enough social insurance contributions on their record.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (186)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the return of the funeral or bereavement grant might be envisaged other than by way of exceptional needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6342/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Bereavement Grant, which was a once-off payment for funeral costs, was discontinued in January 2014. The number of bereavement grant claims in 2013 was 23,716 at a cost of €20.3 million. It is estimated that the cost of reintroducing the grant would be close to €31 million per annum and would increase annually. Any decision to reinstate the grant would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.

It is worth noting that there are a range of supports available for people following bereavement which provide more significant support than the former grant.

These include weekly-paid Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory and Non-Contributory) pensions, which are based on contributions or a means test, and a once-off Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner grant of €8,000 where there is a dependent child. A number of social welfare payments, including State Pension, continue in payment for six weeks following a death, extending to 12 weeks in respect of Carer’s Allowance. Guardian payments are available where someone cares for an orphaned child. A special funeral grant of €850 is paid where a person dies because of an accident at work or occupational disease.

Under the Supplementary Allowance scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income, which may include help with funeral and burial expenses. This is a more targeted and efficient manner of assisting people with bereavement expenses in addition to the range of supports already set out.

Taking the above into consideration, there are no plans to reinstate the bereavement grant at this time.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

State Pensions

Questions (187)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of pension applications for contributory-related State pension received in each of the past three years to date; the number granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6343/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

State Pension (Contributory) (SPC) is a social insurance based payment made to people at age 66. This is not a means-tested payment. The State Pension (Contributory) is based solely on a person’s record of contributions. A person can receive payment of State Pension (Contributory) and continue to work or have other income such as an occupational pension.

The number of claims registered, awarded, rejected and pending for each of the last three years are shown in the table below. Claims registered, awarded and rejected refer to the entire year, while pending figures refer to claims pending on the 31st December.

Table 1: SPC claims registered, awarded, rejected and pending, 2020 to 2022

Year	Registered	Awarded	Rejected	Pending
2022	43,633	18,776	12,207	6,942
2021	39,883	18,114	14,358	4,032
2020	38,808	17,155	13,742	5,231

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (188)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the waiting time for a decision in respect of applications for various social welfare payments has been shortened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6344/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.

The targets for each scheme are agreed by Management Board in consultation with the relevant scheme areas. In setting the individual scheme targets consideration is taken of the complexity of the schemes and the processes that are necessary to determine eligibility. As a result the processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria.

Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision-making process. There are two key metrics which help determine the targets associated with each scheme, namely the average number of weeks to award and the percentage of claims awarded within the target timeframe. These metrics, alongside other factors such as staffing levels, potential changes to eligibility criteria or changes to business processes, are taken into account when accessing the feasibility of a revision to the target for a given scheme. The processing times are reviewed annually.

My Department understands the many pressures faced by customers and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed quickly and efficiently.

I am pleased to report that claim processing targets are currently being met for all schemes across the Disability and Caring Schemes. My department continues to ensure that customer service is maintained at a high level.

Processing times for all scheme areas at end of 2021 and 2022 are set out below;

Scheme	Target set	Achieved		Average weeks to award
Contribution based Schemes		Dec-21	Dec-22	Dec-21	Dec-22
State Pension Contributory	90% by date of entitlement	98%	95%	5	6
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension	90% in 6 weeks	96%	95%	1	1
Jobseeker's Benefit	90% in 3 weeks	96%	96%	1	1
Maternity Benefit	90% by due date	82%	93%	6	6
Paternity Benefit	90% by commencement of leave	73%	94%	6	6
Parents Benefit	90% by commencement of leave	Not Available	86%	1	1
Illness Benefit	90% in 1 week	68%	95%	1	1
Carer's Benefit	90% in 12 weeks	Not Available	Not Available	4	6
Invalidity Pension	90% in 10 weeks	91%	90%	8	8
Occupational Injury Benefit	90% in 1 week	64%	58%	1	1
Means tested Based Schemes
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	75% in 12 weeks	85%	87%	7	6
Jobseeker's Allowance	90% in 6 weeks	98%	97%	1	1
One-Parent Family Payment	90% in 10 weeks	98%	96%	5	3
Working Family Payment	90% in 6 weeks	-	-	3	5
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	90% in 1 week	92%	85%	1	1
Disability Allowance	75% in 10 weeks	95%	83%	5	8
Carer's Allowance	75% in 11 weeks	92%	87%	5	7
Other Schemes
Child Benefit	90% in 4 weeks	80%	65%	2	2
Domiciliary Care Allowance	90% in 10 weeks	4%	98%	12	5
Household Benefits	90% in 4 weeks	100%	96%	1	1
Free Travel	90% in 2 weeks	98%	98%	2	3

In recent years, my Department has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximized.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

State Pensions

Questions (189)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons seeking to avail of the State old age pension on the basis of self-employment contributions or partnership conditions who have been approved in the past 12 months; the number refused in the same period; if ameliorating action can be taken in the case of refusals, particularly where a lesser number of contributions took place than were required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6345/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The state pension contributory (SPC), qualification is based on a number of criteria, including that a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions have been paid into the Social Insurance Fund. This ensures that people who seek a contributory pension have made at least 10 years paid contributions into the Social Insurance Fund which finances it. For those who have paid the required contributions at a reckonable rate – including Class S (self-employed) - they will be used in the calculation of their entitlements.

As my Department treat class 'S' paid contributions in the same way as other paid reckonable contributions e.g., class 'A' when calculating state pension contributory, my department does not currently hold a breakdown of all applications awarded or disallowed by contribution type. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available. However, if the Deputy has a particular case, he can bring it to the attention of my department who can provide further clarification.

Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a state pension (contributory), or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for one of the following -

- The means-tested State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment equivalent to 95% of the full rate SPC rate; or

- An increase for a qualified adult on their spouse/partners SPC. The maximum rate is equivalent to 90% of a full rate SPC pension; or

- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which can be examined using their spouses or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State pension (contributory), and the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over is the same rate as the state pension (contributory), with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (190)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which exceptional needs payments are available in cases where family income is insufficient to meet their requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6346/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments (ANPs) to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.

The scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

This important support is not restricted to those already on a social welfare payment and may also be available to those working on a low income.

In 2022 alone, 97,224 ANPs were issued, at a total value of over €58 million.

Any person who is experiencing financial difficulty can apply for an ANP by completing a SWA1 form, which is widely available. It can be downloaded at www.gov.ie. It is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can be requested by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 0818 60 70 80. Customers can also request a SWA1 form by using the Request Application Form page available on www.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (191)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants throughout the country currently in receipt of working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6347/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment. The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment.

It is a targeted measure that is directly linked to household income and therefore directly supports low-income working families. There are approximately 47,000 families with 103,000 children who are currently in receipt of WFP.

An increase in the income thresholds applicable to WFP customers has taken effect from 5 January 2023 and will see the income limit for all family sizes increase by €40. This will see an increase in payment across all awarded claims of €24 per week while also increasing the income qualification thresholds for claimants.

The easiest and fastest ways for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (192)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which various decisions in respect of social welfare payments have been subsequently overturned on appeal by the applicants or her Department in the past 12months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6348/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there are a number of reasons why a decision which was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer or Designated Person. Where the decision is not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the person concerned over the course of the appeal process and this may lead to the appeal being allowed or partly allowed by the Appeals Officer.

The table below provides details of the outcomes of all finalised appeals in 2022.

					Appeal Outcomes 2022
Scheme	Allowed by Appeals Officer	Part allowed by Appeals Officer	Revised Decision by Deciding Officer	Disallowed by Appeals Officer	Total
Back To Work Family Dividend	1	1	14	25	41
Blind Pension	1	0	4	8	13
Carer’s Allowance	804	67	520	1,953	3,344
Carer’s Benefit	76	1	78	113	268
Carer's Support Grant	89	4	40	191	324
Child Benefit	31	7	118	150	306
Death Benefit	0	0	0	1	1
Deserted Wife’s Benefit	3	1	0	3	7
Disability Allowance	2,348	74	722	2,222	5,366
Disablement Benefit	51	7	21	122	201
Domiciliary Care Allowance	698	48	712	535	1,993
Farm Assist	10	8	22	32	72
Guardian’s Payment (Contributory)	12	3	5	24	44
Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)	5	3	7	5	20
Illness Benefit	37	2	1,129	238	1,406
Incapacity Supplement	1	0	0	0	1
Injury Benefit	12	0	14	35	61
Insurability of Employment	60	1	11	46	118
Invalidity Pension	570	7	387	590	1,554
Jobseeker’s Allowance	170	56	520	822	1,568
Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means)	43	16	167	377	603
Jobseeker’s Benefit	88	23	389	388	888
Jobseeker's Benefit Over 65	7	2	24	145	178
Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed	5	0	18	30	53
Jobseeker's Transitional	9	3	31	41	84
Liable Relatives	1	0	32	0	33
Maternity Benefit	15	1	32	50	98
One Parent Family Payment	24	8	114	105	251
Pandemic Unemployment Payment	54	9	305	504	872
Parent's Benefit	3	2	18	13	36
Partial Capacity Benefit	35	4	5	50	94
Paternity Benefit	3	0	22	17	42
State Pension (Contributory)	32	11	122	327	492
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	34	24	70	159	287
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	111	20	144	571	846
Treatment Benefits	1	0	101	12	114
Widowed Parent Grant	2	0	1	5	8
Widows,Widowers Pension (Contributory)	6	1	11	45	63
Widows,Widowers Pension (Non-Contributory)	0	1	3	12	16
Working Family Payment	54	5	795	236	1,090
Totals	5,506	420	6,728	10,202	22,856

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (193)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of recipients of child benefit payments; the extent to which this has fluctuated in the past two years and is likely to so do in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6349/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

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 2022 the end of year total in receipt of Child Benefit was 648,053 claimants receiving payment in respect of 1.2 million children. The end of year totals for 2021 and 2020 were 630,663 and 633,456 claimants respectively.

The number of Child Benefit payments made in any year is related to a number of factors, including the birth rate, the number of families migrating to the State and the number of families leaving the State.

In 2022 Child Benefit was paid to 12,400 families in respect of 17,300 children, who came to Ireland from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive.

It is not possible to predict future fluctuations in the number of payments with any degree of certainty.

I trust this helps clarify the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (194)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which waiting times for payments in respect of means-tested applications compare with contribution-related payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6350/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department reports on targets agreed between the Management Board and relevant scheme areas on a scheme by scheme basis and not on the basis of processing times for means tested schemes compared to those for contributory based schemes.

Some schemes such as long-term illness related schemes require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer resulting in longer processing times while other schemes may not require the same level of documentation and can be processed in a shorter time span. For this reason all scheme specific eligibility criteria is taken into account when establishing each schemes processing target. This being the case, a comparison between processing times for means tested schemes versus contributory schemes is of little value.

On a monthly basis, each schemes actual processing is compared to their target. In addition we look at the average number of weeks it takes award a new application. Any variance is then investigated and corrective action taken where required.

My Department strives to ensure that all claims are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible and customer service is maintained at a high level. I am pleased to report that the majority of schemes are meeting targets at present.

Processing times for the main scheme areas are as follows at end of December 2022:

Scheme	Target Set	% Achieved December 2022	Average weeks to award December 2022
Contribution based Schemes
State Pension Contributory	90% by date ofentitlement	95%	6
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension	90% in 6 weeks	95%	1
Jobseeker's Benefit	90% in 3 weeks	96%	1
Maternity Benefit	90% by due date	93%	6
Paternity Benefit	90% by commencement of leave	94%	6
Parents Benefit	90% by commencement of leave	86%	1
Illness Benefit	90% in 1 week	95%	1
Carer's Benefit	90% in 12 weeks	Not Available	6
Invalidity Pension	90% in 10 weeks	90%	8
Occupational Injury Benefit	90% in 1 week	58%	1
Means Tested Based Schemes
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	75% in 12 weeks	87%	6
Jobseeker's Allowance	90% in 6 weeks	97%	1
One-Parent Family Payment	90% in 10 weeks	96%	3
Working Family Payment	90% in 6 weeks	-	5
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	90% in 1 week	85%	1
Disability Allowance	75% in 10 weeks	83%	8
Carer's Allowance	75% in 11 Weeks	87%	7

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (195)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which satisfactory provision has been made for those retiring at 65 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6351/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the pension age of 66. The payment is provided for under Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) legislation as appropriate. There were just over 4,000 people receiving this support at the end of December 2022.

A key feature of the payment is that recipients do not have to sign on or partake in activation measures or to be available for and genuinely seeking work to avail of it. Unlike other Jobseeker's Benefit customers, who are paid at a graduated rate according to their previous earnings, recipients of this payment are paid at the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker's Benefit. The personal rate has increased from €208 to €220 as part of Budget 2023.

I have recently signed a Regulation to provide that self-employed contributors who have recently retired from their usual self-employed occupation, and who are in receipt of an Approved Retirement Fund, may also be eligible for Jobseekers Benefit (Self-Employed).

Where a person does not qualify for Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds they may be eligible for support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme subject to satisfying the qualifying conditions for that scheme.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Schemes

Questions (196)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

196. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any further update with respect to making free travel passes available to persons diagnosed with epilepsy who are temporarily unable to drive due to their illness, further to the discussions that took place with an organisation (details supplied) in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6390/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.

It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and in the case of Disability and Carer's allowance to an assessment of their means. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.

I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland. I fully recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition.

Following a meeting with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised in relation to access to the Free Travel scheme.

My officials advise me that they are currently finalising the report and I expect to receive it shortly. I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (197)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

197. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to help with reducing delay for appeals cases that are ongoing for more than three months. [6401/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that all claim decisions taken by the Department’s Deciding Officers and Designated Persons are appealable to the Chief Appeals Officer. In any year about 85% of all claims are awarded by the Department and approximately 1% are appealed. The Department endeavors to ensure that these cases are dealt with as quickly as possible.

The appeals process is quasi-judicial and decisions have to be formally written up to a quasi-judicial standard and are subject to review by the High Court. Accordingly the desire to process appeals quickly must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent, well reasoned and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.

The quasi-judicial nature of the appeals process also means that each aspect of the process takes time to complete. Appeals legislation requires that the appeal must be sent to the Department for a submission from the Deciding Officer who originally decided the case. The appeal contentions will be reviewed at this point. In 2021 49.3% of appeals which had a favorable outcome resulted from revised decisions by Deciding Officers at this stage. In 2022, 53.2% of appeals which had a favorable outcome resulted from revised decisions by Deciding Officers at this stage.

Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to improvements in the appeal process in recent years. As a result, average appeal processing times have generally improved between 2018 and 2022 from 30.0 weeks for an oral hearing in 2018 to 26.0 weeks in 2022, and from 24.8 weeks for a summary decision in 2018 to 15.0 weeks in 2022. The average time for all appeals finalised in 2022 was 14.9 weeks.

There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and the Department to ensure that this process operates efficiently and where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant that the appeal file papers are provided as quickly as possible for consideration by an Appeals Officer. In 2022 the breakdown of the duration of the average appeal was 6.4 weeks in the Appeals Office and 8.5 weeks in the Department. For December 2022 the durations were slightly lower at 5.7 weeks in the Appeals Office and 8.0 weeks in the Department.

As of February 2023 there are 42 Appeals Officers serving in the Office, along with the Chief Appeals Officer and two Deputy Chief Appeals Officers. Since the start of 2021 a total of 14 very experienced Appeals Officers have left the Appeals Office. In the same period a total of 13 new Appeals Officers have been appointed. Given the complexity of the appeals process significant time and resources are been directed towards the training and development of these new staff which in due course will have a positive impact on appeal processing times.

Further improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Welfare Services

Questions (198)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

198. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reintroduce the practice of community welfare officers visiting towns and communities in counties Cavan and Monaghan one day per week. [6402/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The delivery of crucial and locally based community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens in Cavan and Monaghan, and across the country is a priority for me and for my Department.

The CWS provides a flexible service to meet the different needs of customers, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to customer needs.

While local face-to-face engagement with clients continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) to make an application and any person who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. A CWO is available to meet with citizens during business hours Monday to Friday in the Cavan Intreo Centre and in the following locations in Monaghan:

Social Welfare Branch Office	Carrickmacross	Monday & Wednesday 9.30am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 4.30pm
Social Welfare Branch Office	Castleblayney	Thursday 10am - 12pm
DSP Office	Clones	Wednesday 10am - 12pm
DSP Office	Monaghan	Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4.30pm

If a client does not live within the vicinity of the above locations, an appointment can be arranged within a short time of the person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at their home.

Alternatively, a person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. CWOs working on the phoneline are dealing with over 5,000 callers per week. This service is proving very popular with customers in rural areas, including areas in Cavan and Monaghan, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.

My Department is working on the provision of an online Additional Needs Payment (ANP) application process via the www.MyWelfare.ie system. The provision of the ANP online application will ensure that those who wish to access this scheme online including providing supporting documentation will be able to do so. It is expected this option will be available to clients by the end of Q1.

Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed on the same day. CWOs are very experienced and can generally assess when a case is so urgent that it requires an immediate response. Approximately 10% of Community Welfare payments to customers across the country are made on this basis, which shows just how responsive the service is to an urgent customer need.

A person can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payment by completing a SWA1 form, which is widely available. It can be downloaded at www.gov.ie. It is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can be requested by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 0818 60 70 80. Customers can also request a SWA1 form by using the Request Application Form page available on www.gov.ie.

A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to the Department where the claim will be processed quickly, without the need to travel.

I trust this clarifies the matter.