Written answers

Thursday, 15 November 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive the full amount of arrears which they were due; and when they will receive the balance of these arrears. [29172/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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This person was awarded a State Pension Non-Contributory from 8 October 2004. In January 2007, the Department was notified by the UK Department of Social Security that he qualified for a British Retirement Pension with effect from 21 June 2004. His entitlement to State Pension Non-Contributory for the period 8 October 2004 to 4 January 2007 was therefore reviewed and an overpayment arising from the overlap of State Pension Non-Contributory and British Retirement Pension was assessed at €2387.50. This amount was due to be refunded to the Department from the arrears of British Retirement Pension.

The total amount of British Retirement Pension arrears was €5380.28, and following deduction of the overpayment of €2387.50 State Pension Non-Contributory, left a balance of €2992.78 due to be paid. A cheque for this amount, representing the balance of arrears due in this case issued to him. On the 19th October a letter issued regarding the arrears due to this person, unfortunately the gross arrears was quoted. No reference was made to the overpayment of State Pension Non-Contributory and the net amount was not stated. I regret any misunderstanding which arose as a result.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the habitual residency clause is being used to exclude a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29218/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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All applicants regardless of nationality are from 1 May 2004 required to be habitually resident in the State in order to qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance, child benefit and certain social welfare assistance payments. The Eastern Area of the Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned was refused supplementary welfare allowance on the grounds that he is not habitually resident in the country. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Community Welfare Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The person concerned has also applied for Illness Benefit. However, there is no record of any Irish contributions made by him or of a work permit which would allow him to work in Ireland. In the absence of an Irish contribution record, an Illness Benefit claim would fall to be dealt with by the authorities in Romania.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the correct rent support payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has three children and who is in arrears with rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29221/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that it is awaiting documentation from the person concerned so that it can make a decision on any entitlement to rent supplement. It has further advised that it will inform the person concerned of its decision on the matter in writing in due course. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.

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