Written answers

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 300: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance, including arrears, will be awarded in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46896/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position remains, as advised in Parliamentary Question No. 828, which I answered for the Deputy on 3rd November 2009. A community welfare officer issued a letter to the person concerned on 17 September 2009, seeking documentary evidence in relation to a number of matters, including details of the lease on her rented property and her financial position. The Executive has advised that while it has received some of the documentation sought from the person concerned, it is still awaiting the provision of other supporting documentation.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 301: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46979/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate Disability Allowance with effect from 16 April 2008. She was assessed with means derived from her spouse's farming. The person's claim was reviewed by a Medical Assessor on 18 November 2009 who deemed that she was no longer medically suitable for Disability Allowance. Her claim was disallowed with effect from 9 December 2009 on the basis that she is not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, for a period of at least one year. She was notified of this decision by letter on 25 November 2009 and of her right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.