Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
564. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who provides financial assistance to a family member who experienced delays in accessing illness benefit can be provided compensation under the exceptional needs payment; if a letter from the affected family member to confirm this was the case will be accepted by the community welfare office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10737/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, payment issues had arisen in relation to the illness benefit scheme last year when my Department transferred administration of the scheme from an old legacy IT payment system to its core business IT platform which is already managing many of the Department’s other scheme payments.
Any customer who has an urgent financial need as a result of a delay in their payment can apply to the Department's Community Welfare Service to receive an interim payment through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Customers in these circumstances are advised to make contact with the Community Welfare Service through their local Intreo Centre.
Where issues arise with illness benefit claims, these customers are paid the correct amount for the period of their illness once their claim is resolved.
For those supported by family members during a period of delay with an illness benefit entitlement, the claimant should be in a position to reimburse any family members who provided financial assistance once they receive their full entitlement.
Payment of supplementary welfare allowance would not be appropriate in the circumstances outlined in the Question. The scheme provides assistance to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. It is not intended to provide compensation.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
