Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; if her Department will contact the person in relation to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19074/24]
View answerBlind Pension is a means-tested payment for people aged 18 years to 66 years who are habitually residing in the State. Income, including pensions, capital and property (excluding your own home) is assessable as means. A person is obliged to declare all their income and notify the Department in writing of any change in their circumstances.
The person concerned was previously in receipt of a Blind Pension from 9 November 2012 up to 15 September 2022. The person did not notify the Department that there was a change in circumstances. The person was cohabiting since 16 September 2022 and the means were in excess of the statutory limit to receive a Blind Pension payment. The Blind Pension was overpaid from 16 September 2022 to 14 September 2023 .
Disability 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.
The person is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance, effective from 11 October 2023. Where there is an outstanding debt and the customer transfers from one payment to another, the Department continues to seek recovery of such overpayments.
The person was issued a letter on 2 April 2024 proposing to withhold arrears of Disability Allowance against the overpayment. The person concerned was given the opportunity to respond within 21 days.
To date, the arrears have not been offset again this debt. Correspondence received on 24 April 2024 from the customer is currently under consideration. My Department is also reviewing this individual's Disability Allowance claim and their request to backdate beyond the current award date. If an entitlement to DA is considered appropriate for this period, arrears due would be offset against the debt.
Officials will contact the person directly to inform them of the outcome of this review.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
