Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
102. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection that average length of time it takes from the day of application for an applicant to be either granted or denied disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4651/24]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.The processing target for the Disability Allowance (DA) scheme is to award 75% of applications within 10 weeks. The average number of weeks to award a DA claim at the end of December 2023 was 10 weeks.
My Department understands the many pressures faced by people and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed quickly and efficiently. In respect of DA, evidence must be provided in respect of the person’s medical condition, the extent to which it restricts them from taking up employment, their means and their habitual residency.
To help the Department to make timely and fair decisions on applications, applicants should ensure that they complete the application form fully, attach all the supporting documentation required as per the checklist provided on the application form. It is particularly important that they provide, at the outset, all the details they have in relation to the medical conditions. In order to register a claim and establish an early entitlement or claim date many people submit an application without first securing all of the necessary supporting documentation. Claims with missing supporting information typically take longer to process.
My Department consistently strives to enhance processing time targets and are continually reviewing processes to deliver optimal customer service. It is important to note that, while a DA application is being processed, a person may apply for income support through Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Where a claim is decided in a person's favour after a delay, DA arrears will issue to the customer dated back to the date their claim was received.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
