Written answers
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Social Welfare Appeals
12:00 pm
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 315: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time for an appeal in respect of supplementary welfare allowance; and the average processing time for an appeal in respect of mortgage interest supplement. [19591/09]
Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Department, provides a basic weekly allowance for eligible people who have little or no income. The scheme also provides for a weekly or monthly supplement to be paid in respect of mortgage interest. Under existing arrangements, an appeal against a decision on entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance or mortgage interest supplement is made in the first instance to a designated appeals officer in the HSE. A person may, if they so wish, make a further appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, if they are dissatisfied with the decision of the HSE appeals officer.
Appeal processing times vary from 5 to 12 weeks on average depending on workloads, complexity and whether or not there is a need for an oral hearing of the appeal. Available information does not distinguish between appeal processing times for supplementary welfare allowance and other supplements such as mortgage interest supplement.
No comments