Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
360. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) who was awarded the disability allowance will receive payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52019/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 23 June 2023. Following a review of all available information, it was determined that the weekly means of the person concerned entitled them to a reduced weekly rate of DA. As the person concerned was in receipt of a higher weekly rate of payment on Illness Benefit (IB), an option letter issued to the person concerned on 15 August 2023 to ascertain which payment they wished to receive.
Correspondence was received from the person concerned on 30 August 2023 confirming they wished to remain on IB. The DA application of the person concerned was withdrawn and a letter confirming same issued to the person concerned on 11 September 2023.
Further correspondence was received from the person concerned on 12 October 2023, requesting a review of their application. On foot of this request, a review was undertaken. In order for the Deciding Officer to establish the current means of the person concerned, further information was required. An information request issued to the person concerned on 21 November 2023 requesting information in relation to their employment and current payslips.
Once the requested information is returned, the Deciding Officer will review the claim and issue a written decision directly to the customer.
It should be noted that any person experiencing financial difficulties while awaiting a decision on a Social Welfare application can apply to the Community Welfare Officer based in their local Intreo office for the means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
