Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

52. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the difficulties cohabiting couples face when their claims are up for review and are suspended until a decision is made by the social welfare office; if she is aware that under these circumstances, if one person in the cohabiting couple is working, even only a small number of hours a week, then the couple are not entitled to the supplementary welfare assistance payment, leaving families waiting for a decision and unable to pay their bills, expenses and so on; if she views a partial suspension as more appropriate during a claim review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17346/15]

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

I understand that this question relates to cases of seasonal workers where entitlement to jobseeker's benefit ceases and the person then makes a claim for jobseeker's allowance. I wish to advise the Deputy that jobseekers claims are on average awarded within two weeks of the date of application, however, delays can arise where there is a difficulty in obtaining information in relation to specific claims.

In order to minimise any delays in the case of individuals transferring from jobseeker's benefit to jobseeker's allowance it is the practice that the customer is issued with an application form for jobseeker's allowance six weeks before their claim to jobseeker's benefit expires.

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the “safety net” within the overall welfare system and provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. SWA may be payable to customers awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment subject to satisfying the conditions of the scheme including a means test. Income received by a spouse or partner from employment is taken into account when assessing entitlement to SWA.

If the Deputy has concerns regarding a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.