asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will ensure that a person will not be cut off from unemployment benefit or assistance while his case is being investigated or reviewed for any reason, in view of the grave hardship sometimes arising from delay in arriving at a decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit and Assistance: Payments Pending Review.
14.
Payment of neither unemployment benefit nor assistance can be made to any applicant unless it has been determined beforehand that he satisfies the statutory conditions for receipt thereof. When a person's entitlement to unemployment benefit is in doubt but he satisfies the conditions for receipts of unemployment assistance, payment of the latter is made pending investigation of his claim to benefit.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that there are very many cases held up for a considerable period? These insured workers subsequently qualify in fact; but, if there is a suspicion of fraud, the case goes to the Department of Social Welfare and the individual concerned is at a loss until a decision is arrived at as to whether or not he is guilty of fraud. In the interim he is in receipt of no payment of any kind.
The person is always entitled to apply for home assistance in such circumstances.
It is a poor substitute.
The time-lag is being tightened up and the hearing of cases is being expedited.