The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 30 March 2001. The principal conditions for receipt of disability allowance are that the medical eligibility criteria are met and that the means test which applies is satisfied. While she satisfied the medical criteria for award of disability allowance the means of the person concerned, which were derived from her partner's self employment, were in excess of the statutory limit. Accordingly her claim was refused. She appealed this decision but the appeals officer upheld the original decision. An appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence. If there has been a change in her circumstances in the meantime her entitlement will be reviewed.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.