Vol. 428 No. 5
83 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the arrangements for supplementary welfare allowance payments for those who are receiving them in lieu of disability benefit; if he has satisfied himself as to the medical criteria in this regard; and if he will clarify the time limits, if any, involved in the issue of these payments.
Persons who are ill and who do not have an entitlement to disability benefit may apply for a basic weekly payment of supplementary welfare allowance. The determination of applications for supplementary welfare allowance is a matter for each health board.
In general, the applicant is required to produce medical certification in support of his application and the health board must be satisfied that his means are insufficient to meet his needs.
There are no time limits governing issue of payments, which are normally made within days of application. In urgent cases health boards may make payments immediately.
84 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there is any financial assistance available to widowers caring for dependent children who are ill themselves and unable to carry out household work; and if not, if he will introduce such an allowance.
Widowers with dependent children may be entitled lone parents allowance which covers the various categories of lone parents looking after children.
There is no specific provision under the social welfare system for financial assistance for widowers who are unable to carry out household work. However, where a person is unable to look after children, assistance may be provided by the health board, through the provision of support services such as home help, laundry and meals.
In accordance with the terms of the Child Care Act, 1991, health boards are obliged to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection and to promote child care and family support services to those who require them. These services will be developed as the various provisions of the Act are brought into operation.
