Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
458. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that an application for disability allowance for a person (details supplied) will be awarded as soon as possible. [16155/24]
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 15 February 2022. Based on the information provided to my Department, they were awarded the maximum personal rate of Disability Allowance effect from 16 February 2022.
A review of their DA payment was conducted based on information provided in regard to the whereabouts of this individual and their DA claim was suspended with effect from 14 February 2023 in order to establish their whereabouts.
As part of the review in February 2023 the person concerned was requested to provide confirmation of their address and bank statements covering the period 01 August 2022 to February 2023.
Confirmation of their address was received, and the DA payment of the person concerned was reinstated pending the receipt of outstanding bank statements. Their DA Payment remained suspended with effect from 09 May 2023 as the requested bank account information had not been returned.
While this individual submitted bank statements on 19 May 2023, these did not include the statements for period requested. Further requests for the outstanding statements issued to the person concerned via correspondence dated 22 May 2023 and 28 September 2023.
Another request dated 22 November 2023 was sent by my Department seeking the outstanding bank statements covering the periods under review.
Upon a further review of this individual's means, their DA payment has been re-instated from the 24 April 2024. This individual is currently in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance and any arrears from DA will be calculated, less the amount paid on the SWA for the overlapping period.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
