Vol. 455 No. 3
102 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the payment for six weeks after death to all social welfare recipients including those on separate payments; the number of and costs involved in such an extension; if he will make a statement on the matter, in particular in relation to the position of a person (details supplied); and if this person qualifies for half-rate disability in addition to survivors pension or just invalidity pension. [12116/95]
The Social Welfare Act, 1994 extended the categories of clients eligible to receive six weeks payment after death. The further extension to all social welfare recipients would have financial implications and could be considered only in a budgetary context.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a retirement pension at the weekly rate of £72.80. Disability benefit is not payable in conjunction with retirement pension. The most financially beneficial option for this person would be to revert to a survivor's pension at the weekly rate of £66.10 and disability benefit at the weekly rate of £14.05 which would be a total payment of £80.15. I have arranged for this to be done. All arrears will be paid as soon as possible.
