Written answers

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Department of Social Protection

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Photo of Áine CollinsÁine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

95. To ask the Minister for Social Protection in view of the concern expressed, if she has since instructed her Department to change the format of letters being sent to social welfare recipients (details supplied). [11075/14]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While I am aware of the debate to which the Deputy refers, the only significant change in this area, of which I am aware, is the recent communication from the Department to job-seeking clients aged 62 years and older. Up until Budget 2014, older jobseekers were required, as part of their entitlement to a jobseeker's payment, to comply with the Department's activation measures when requested to so do, as is the case with other jobseekers. Legislation provides that non-compliance with such activation measures, without good cause, could give rise to the imposition of penalties in the form of payment reductions.

Revised arrangements were announced as part of Budget 2014 to apply to older persons who seek the support of jobseekers schemes in advance of reaching pension age. The measures provide for these clients to continue to avail of Departmental supports on a voluntary basis should they wish to return to work, training or education. In addition, provision is made for these clients to receive their payments directly into an account in a financial institution if they so wish. A letter issued to older jobseeker customers advising them of these changes. It is important to note, however, that this letter neither prevented nor discouraged these clients from receiving their payments in the post office. It simply informed them of the option to change their payment method if they chose to do so.

In the main, the majority of jobseeker payments are paid through the post-offices. If and when An Post can provide an electronic payment channel, the Department will also happily facilitate clients' instructions to pay funds directly into such an account. If the Deputy has any other specific case in mind and she wishes to forward the details, I will of course have my officials examine the circumstances.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.