Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2012
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of invalidity benefit applicants refused in her Department in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20854/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy reply is as follows:
|
Year |
Claims Received |
Claims Disallowed |
% Disallowed |
|
2009 |
7,475 |
2,933 |
39% |
|
2010 |
8,774 |
4,017 |
46% |
|
2011 |
14,621 |
*4,697 |
N/A |
*The figures shown for claims disallowed in 2011 refers to those dealt with from June to December 2011 only as a breakdown of decisions awarded and disallowed is not available for the period January to end May 2011 as a dual system was in operation prior to migration of all Invalidity Pension Claims to a new computer platform. The number of claims registered during that period was 8,466 and the estimated percentage of claims disallowed (4,697), during the same period was 56%.
It is to be noted that the large increase in claim-load during 2011 is related to the changes made whereby payment of short-term illness benefit is now limited to a maximum of 2 years. As a consequence there has been an increase in the number of claimants seeking to avail of the longer term invalidity pension payment. However such claimants may not satisfy the medical conditions necessary to establish a permanent incapacity to work and/or may not satisfy the social insurance contribution conditions necessary to qualify for an invalidity pension. In such cases claimants can apply for the means tested disability allowance scheme.
124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker’s benefit on hand in her Department from applicants in County Kildare; the length of time to determine such applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20855/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 April 2012 there were 301 jobseeker's benefit claims pending decision from claimants in County Kildare. The average processing time for jobseeker's benefit claims is 1.86 weeks.
