Disability Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2012

Thursday, 6 December 2012

Ceisteanna (50)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

50. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the anomalous situation whereby a recipient of disability allowance can continue to receive a dependent allowance for a dependent who has exceeded the age of 22 years, by virtue of the fact they are in full time education on the date of their 22nd birthday, however if the dependents birthday happens to fall on a date when the educational facility is in recess that this entitlement does not exist despite the dependent being deemed to still be in full time education as illustrated by a case (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will review this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54877/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

An increase for a qualified child is typically payable in respect of each qualified child aged up to 18 years of age. The social welfare system provides additionally that an increase for a qualified child (IQC) may continue to be paid where the child is aged between 18 and 22 years while the child is in full-time education. In order to avoid a situation where such payments would cease in the course of an academic year, the welfare system provides, exceptionally, that where a student reaches age 22 during an academic year, the IQC is continued in payment for the duration of that academic year, provided s/he remains in full-time education till then. There are no plans at this time to change these arrangements. The person concerned was paid an increase in respect of his son, who reached 22 years old in August 2012, until 24 October 2012.