Vol. 437 No. 6
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on whether mortgage repayments should be calculated in the determination of eligibility for non-contributory old age pension as failure to do so can cause serious hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is no provision under the various means test arrangements at present for the disregard of expenses such as mortgage repayments in assessing means.
Allowing for such expenses would involve a fundamental change in the means test arrangements and would require substantial additional resources.
Assistance with rent or mortgage payments can be provided by way of a weekly supplement under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme which is administered by the Health Boards and which provides assistance to people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs.
239 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make changes in regulations with regard to means test calculations on capital savings for non-contributory payments.
Applicants for social assistance payments who have capital are assessed with a notional income from the capital. The percentage rates used vary but a maximum 10 per cent rate of assessment is applied in certain schemes such as old age non-contributory pensions.
Under the old-age pension scheme a person can have means from all sources of up to £6 per week (£12 in the case of a married couple) and still qualify for receipt of the maximum pension. In relation to capital alone, the current regulations allow a married couple have joint capital of £6,000 and still qualify for the maximum pension.
240 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, arising from his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 16 November 1993, he will give the reason for the delay in processing the appeal of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 for mortgage interest supplement.
It is understood from the Eastern Health Board that following the receipt of certain information relating to the claim, the board's appeals officer is now in a position to consider this case. The appeals officer has indicated that the case will be examined immediately and the appellant advised of the outcome.
