Vol. 468 No. 1
179 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to permit to recipients of the new disability allowance a degree of flexibility in the manner in which they will receive their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14497/96]
Payment of disability allowance will be made by way of books of personalised payable orders cashable at a nominated post office. A letter informing each person at present in receipt of disabled person's maintenance allowance of the new arrangements, including details of the nominated post office, will be issued from early July. If a post office which has been nominated for a person is unsuitable, he or she will be free to change it by informing the Department at that point. Persons receiving their payment via a training or care agency will continue to do so in the same manner as currently applies.
Payment by personalised payable orders has many advantages; it is a secure method of payment, is not affected by postal delays and facilitates the appointment of an agent to collect the payment if the person is unable to do so. When the transfer has been completed I will be offering recipients the option of alternative payment systems, including payment direct to their bank account, where they so wish.
