Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
513. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the appeal timeframe for social welfare refusals from 21 days to 30 days to allow for GP's letters to be issued to applicants ahead of the winter. [50112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
In the case of a decision made by a Deciding Officer/Designated Person of the Department, any person who is dissatisfied with that decision may, by giving notice of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer within the statutory time limit of 21 days from the date of the decision, have the question referred to an Appeals Officer for determination. A notice of appeal made after the 21-day period may be accepted with the approval of the Chief Appeals Officer.
The notice of appeal must contain a statement of the facts and contentions upon which the person concerned intends to rely. The statutory procedures require that the notice of appeal be accompanied by whatever documentary evidence the person concerned wishes to submit in support of the appeal. In practice, however, documentary evidence such as medical letters submitted subsequent to the notice of appeal will be considered by the Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
