Written answers

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

10:00 pm

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time it takes to process a new family income supplement claim; the number of new claims and renewals awaiting decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20796/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. Entitlement to FIS is based on an applicant satisfying a means test and on certification of employment by the employer. My Department has consistently publicised the scheme in order to maximise uptake by qualified families. Following significant improvements in the qualifying income limits in the 2006 budget, my Department undertook a week-long, nationwide awareness campaign in March of that year to encourage increased take up of the scheme. This, combined with the improvements in the income limits, resulted in a strong upward trend in the level of new claims. There are currently 20,247 people in receipt of FIS payment.

Family Income Supplement is paid for 52 weeks provided a person continues to meet the qualifying conditions but a claim for renewal may then be made. The upward trend in new claims is also reflected in renewals. This has resulted in an increase in the number of claims to be processed in my Department. To date in 2007, my Department has received 26,898 new and renewal FIS claims and has decided a total of 20,916 cases. At 14/09/2007 there were 10,604 claims awaiting decision; 4,317 new claims and 6,287 renewal claims. The average time it takes to award a FIS claim or renewal in 2007 (up to end of August) is 14.52 weeks. My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. Measures have been taken to improve claim processing times for FIS: A review of existing processes and procedures has been completed by my Department with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing; Priority is being given to claims where a claim is being renewed to ensure continuity of payment; The ongoing staffing requirement was recently reviewed in the light of the current volumes of claims and renewals.

These measures will, over time, lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position will be closely monitored and kept under review by my Department.

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