Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an urgent review of an eligibility for disability allowance can be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) whose case is supported by their GP given their ongoing medical challenges, and who is unable to secure employment as a result of their ongoing medical challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31529/23]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from this person on 14 February 2023. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, his application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 25 March 2023. All applicants to DA have the right to have a decision reviewed and can present additional supporting medical evidence to the DA section to assist their claim.
The person concerned informed the DA section on 11 April 2023 that they wished to appeal the decision and informed the Department that they will submit further documentation to support their appeal as soon as possible.
Further medical evidence was received on 24 May 2023 and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 9 June 2023. The person concerned can forward further additional supporting medical evidence if they wish to have their claim reviewed further.
Additionally, the DA section sent the Appeal request to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO) on 11 April 2023. The person will be notified directly regarding the outcome of the appeal by the SWAO.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
