Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Ceisteanna (183)

Sandra McLellan

Ceist:

186 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 580 of 18 April 2012 where she states “if a person’s means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer”; the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was told that this is not the case and that the Minister says things like that in the Dáil all the time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22553/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as laid down in carer's allowance legislation. On 4 April 2012, she was notified of this decision and the reason for it. Additional medical evidence was subsequently received and forwarded to the medical assessor for further consideration. She will be notified of the outcome of the review in due course.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes or who are awaiting a decision on a social welfare application. The partner of the person in question has recently been awarded a supplementary welfare allowance while awaiting decisions on their carer's and FIS claims respectively.