Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
On 28 July 2011 an application for Invalidity Pension was received from the person concerned. While the person concerned satisfies the contribution conditions for Invalidity Pension, her suitability on medical grounds has yet to be established.
A request will issue shortly to the person concerned to submit medical evidence in support of her application. Upon receipt and examination of the requested information, an opinion on medical suitability will be provided to the deciding officer by the department's chief medical advisor. Once the deciding officer receives this opinion regarding medical suitability, a decision regarding entitlement to invalidity pension will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit from my department at a weekly rate of €188.00. Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable of work for medical reasons and who satisfy the contribution conditions.