Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
228. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for someone in receipt of a social welfare payment to leave the country for a period of longer than two weeks to support family in the time of bereavement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6683/24]
View answerSome social welfare payments, mainly contributory pensions and long-term benefits payable under the social insurance fund, are payable while the recipient is absent from the State.
Other, mainly short-term and mans tested payments, may be payable in respect of periods a person is temporarily absent from the State for up to two weeks subject to the qualifying conditions continuing to be met. In some cases a recipient of such schemes may be allowed to travel outside the State for periods in excess of two weeks, i these cases the periods for which they may be entitled to payment will vary in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Payment is generally suspended during such absences and restored when the person returns with any arrears due then payable provided that the qualifying conditions for payment were fulfilled during the period of absence.
Any recipient of a social welfare payment should contact the relevant scheme area of the Department who will provide full information regarding payment during such absences from the State. In all cases the Department must be notified in advance of travelling, outlining the circumstances and the intended return dates.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
