asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason disability benefit has been disallowed to a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
46.
The person concerned was paid disability benefit to 6 February 1988 after which date payment was disallowed following an examination by a medical referee who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
She appealed against the disallowance and arrangements have been made to have her examined by a different medical referee as soon as possible. Her entitlement to benefit will then be reviewed in the light of the medical referee's report.
47.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in payment of disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned claimed disability benefit from 5 January 1988.
He was not entitled to benefit at the commencement of his claim as according to the available records he had not the required minimum of 26 contributions paid or credited in 1986-87, the contribution year governing his claim.
On further investigation, it has been established that he has sufficient contributions paid and credited in 1986-87 to qualify for disability benefit. Payment has been authorised at the weekly rate of £39.10, the rate appropriate to a married man who has between 33 and 40 contributions recorded for the contribution year governing his claim. The person concerned is not entitled to an increase in respect of his wife as she has an income in her own right. Arrears of £312.80 covering the period 5 January 1988 to 29 February 1988 will be issued shortly.