Vol. 500 No. 1
249 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10 to ensure that this person does not lose her deserted wife's benefit in view of the fact that she remains eligible for this payment. [3506/99]
The deserted wives benefit scheme was discontinued on the introduction of one-parent family payment under the Social Welfare Act, 1996. However, payment was continued for existing recipients of benefit under saver provisions. Under the previous arrangements a woman under 40 who ceased to be entitled to benefit because her child went over the qualifying age limit could requalify on reaching age 40. The legislation provided that this facility would not apply after 31 December 1998.
The person concerned is under age 40 and is receiving deserted wife's benefit because she has a child under age 18. This child reaches age 18 on 10 June next. It is understood that he is currently employed. In the circumstances, he will no longer be a qualified child for the purposes of his mother's claim and under the legislation payment of her deserted wife's benefit would cease at this date. I am having the position in this respect examined and if there is any change as a result, any cases affected will be reviewed and the persons concerned will be notified of the outcome.
