John Fahey
Ceist:76 Mr. J. Fahey asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having arrears of unemployment assistance refunded to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and when payment will issue.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
The person concerned applied for unmarried mother's allowance — now being subsumed into the new comprehensive lone parents scheme — with effect from 8 March 1990.
Adjustments had to be made in respect of a maternity benefit claim and supplementary welfare allowance she received during the earlier part of her claim. In addition, her entitlement to reduced rate unemployment benefit from mid-July 1990 had to be established.
Her allowance book was issued paying from 16 August 1990 and arrears for the period 8 March to 15 August have now been calculated. A cheque for £887.75, which is the net amount due after adjustments for the maternity benefit and supplementary welfare allowance payments are made, will issue to her within a few days.
The delays which arose in this case were due to the need to co-ordinate activities on the various claims which were involved. I have been unable to trace a claim for unemployment assistance in this case and, from the facts available to me, it would appear that she would not be entitled to that assistance as it would be less favourable than the unmarried mother's, lone parent, rate.