Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023

Wednesday, 5 July 2023

Questions (128)

Paul Murphy

Question:

128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if someone who has been receiving jobseeker’s allowance for a period of 18 months applies for disability allowance, does their jobseeker’s payment cease immediately, or does it continue until a decision regarding the disability allowance application is reached; if the payment is ceased is there a requirement for the individual to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim; and in the event that the first application for disability allowance is unsuccessful what payment does the person revert to. [32932/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

A person in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance may make an application for Disability Allowance.

Jobseeker’s Allowance should continue to be paid until a decision, including an Appeal where applicable, is made on the Disability Allowance claim.

If the application for Disability Allowance is unsuccessful for failing to satisfy the medical eligibility criteria for receipt of Disability Allowance, payment of Jobseeker’s Allowance may continue, subject to all qualifying conditions being satisfied.

If the application for Disability Allowance is unsuccessful but the person does not satisfy all the Jobseeker’s Allowance qualifying conditions including being capable of work, the person could apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment from their local Community Welfare Services.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.