Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason she refused an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork whom is incapable of work; the reason she did not order a medical assessment of the person before a decision was made; if she will clarify the payment available to a person that has been on illness benefit for a period of 24 months and is still incapable of work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10287/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 21September 2012. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim for invalidity pension was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The applicant was notified of this decision on 6 December 2012 and advised of his right to request a review of the decision and also of his right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office. To date no correspondence has been received from the person concerned.

Customers waiting for the outcome of a review, who have urgent income support needs, can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) from their local Community Welfare Officer.