Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 April 2015

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Ceisteanna (163)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

163. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 815 of 24 March 2015 if she will acknowledge the anomaly that exists in the classification of illness benefit as a short-term payment which is not included as an eligible payment for the special rate of student grant despite being payable for up to 104 weeks and the inclusion of carer's benefit as an eligible payment despite having a maximum payment duration of 104 weeks; and if consideration will be provided to review a decision on an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [13562/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Department of Social Protection describes Illness Benefit as a short-term payment for insured people who cannot work due to illness. Carer's Benefit is described as a payment for insured people who have recently left the workforce and are looking after certain people in need of full-time care and attention.

Eligibility for a social welfare payment is a matter for the Department of Social Protection.

It may be more appropriate, for the person referred to by the Deputy, to have their welfare payment reviewed by the Department of Social Protection. Where it is established that an alternative long-term payment should be awarded, such as Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension, both of which are eligible payments for the special rate of grant, the application of the person in question may be reviewed under the change of circumstances provision of the Student Grant Scheme.