Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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43. To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to the decision to backdate the living alone allowance in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Wexford, if a review of this decision will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8533/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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According to the records of the Department, the application from the person concerned for invalidity pension was disallowed as the qualifying conditions were not satisfied.

Instead, the person concerned qualified for disability allowance including an increase for living alone.

In 2007, while in receipt of disability allowance, the person concerned applied for and was awarded state pension (transition) with effect from his 65^thbirthday. Recipients of state pension (transition) are not eligible to receive an increase for living alone. State pension (transition) recipients are automatically transferred to state pension (contributory) on reaching 66 years of age. Recipients of state pension (contributory) who live alone are eligible to apply for an increase for living alone.

The person concerned submitted a claim for increase for living alone on 15 December 2014. The deciding officer awarded the increase, backdated for 6 months to 15 June 2014, in line with current legislative provisions. The application is now being reviewed by another deciding officer and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay.