The claim for child benefit, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that she did not satisfy the habitual residence conditions. Her application for one parent family payment and supplementary welfare allowance was similarly disallowed.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the appeals of the person concerned.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeals have been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.