Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will support a matter (details supplied) [37972/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that in appeals for Family Income Supplement, where it appears that the reason for the decision may not have been fully understood, the letter of appeal is referred to Family Income Supplement section requesting that the decision be clarified to the appellant. The person is advised that if s/he is still not satisfied following receipt of this clarification that the appeal will be formally registered and processed.

In the case of the person concerned his/her letter of appeal was forwarded to Family Income Supplement section for clarification on 16 July 2010. Section 247 2 (6) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provides that where Family Income Supplement and Jobseekers Allowance would be payable to, or in respect of a person, in respect of the same period, only one shall be paid. At the time of application, the person concerned was included as an Adult Dependant on their partner's Jobseekers Allowance claim. If FIS was awarded to the person concerned, the partner's Jobseekers Allowance would be adjusted to the weekly rate of €176.30 giving a weekly rate of Family Income Supplement of €98.00. This would result in a reduction of the total household income. The claim for Family Income Supplement was therefore refused on the basis that it was financially more beneficial for the person concerned to remain as a Qualified Adult on their partner's Jobseekers Allowance Claim.

If the person concerned is still not satisfied with this explanation, they should write to the Appeals Office stating clearly the grounds of the appeal.