The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned has not been received by that office. However, on foot of the Deputy's question, a form has been forwarded to the person concerned requesting her to state the grounds for her appeal of the Department's decision. On receipt of her reply the appeal will be opened, processed in the normal manner and referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has also advised me as result of the current Covid-19 restrictions and in order to safeguard the health and safety of both appellants and staff the Social Welfare Appeals Office has not held any oral appeal hearings since 13 March 2020. No such hearings can be scheduled until further notice. The matter is being kept under review. Appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
