Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a social welfare office (details supplied) has a lengthy processing time; the measures she will take to address the workload of this office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47303/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The length of time it takes to process claims varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the availability of the necessary documentation from the applicant and or his/her employer. The average processing times for Jobseeker's Benefit have been reduced to 2 weeks in November 2009. In the case of Jobseeker's Allowance, the need to carry out additional enquires including the assessment of means and whether the claimant satisfies the Habitual Residence Condition adds to the time it takes to process such claims. It is acknowledged that processing times for Jobseeker's Allowance in this office are too long and steps have been taken to bring them back to acceptable levels. These include: - New claims for Jobseeker's Allowance (where means or Habitual Residence Condition are not a factor) are being immediately investigated and are fast tracked for decision. - An additional Social Welfare Investigator has been assigned since October 2009 to address the backlog of claims awaiting investigation and consequently improve claim processing times. - A temporary office in Edenderry has been secured by the Department to schedule interviews for Jobseeker's Allowance customers and the assessment of means. - Claims awaiting determination of the Habitual Residence condition have been identified and decided. - The Regional Local Support Office Unit (LOSU) is providing support for the processing of Jobseeker's Benefit and Allowance claims for the Edenderry Branch Office.

As of week ending 12th September 2009 there were 674 Jobseeker's Allowance and Benefit claims awaiting decision. This has been reduced to 351 claims on 11th December 2009 which represent a 48% decrease in the number of claims awaiting decision. While every effort is made to ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible, anyone who is under financial pressure while awaiting a decision on their claim for a jobseeker's payment can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.