The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that he did not satisfy the statutory means test.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal was registered in that office on 01st September 2015 and in accordance with statutory requirements the relevant papers and comments were sought from the Department.
These papers were received and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration who formed the view that more up to date information was required from the person concerned in order to determine the appeal That information was requested and has now been received by the Appeals Officer and I am advised that a decision should issue to the person concerned within the next week.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.