Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
474. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a person (details supplied) will qualify for an invalidity pension given that his existing payment is due to expire and he is unable to work due to a heart condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39692/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of an Illness Benefit (IB) payment from this Department which is due to expire in February 2021. IB is payable for a maximum of 2 years. It is the policy of the Department to medically assess customers, who are in receipt of IB, for IP purposes approximately 6 months prior to the expiry date of their IB claim. In this case, a medical assessment commenced in August 2020 and, based on the medical reports submitted, a Department Medical Advisor expressed the opinion that the person in question would be medically suitable for IP. A claim form (INV2) for IP issued to the person concerned on 26 August 2020. To date this form has not been returned to the Department and a duplicate form was issued on 24 November 2020. On receipt of the completed form, the IP claim will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome of his claim.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
