Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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703. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused Disability Allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24918/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. In summary, any income, with some exceptions, belonging to the person is assessable as means for DA purposes.

Where a person leaves his/her home on a temporary basis, or for an indefinite period as a result of old age or illness, the capital value of his/her home is not assessed as means unless it is put to profitable use.

The person concerned has rented out their property. Therefore, this property is subject to assessment as means, in accordance with the relevant legislation. The assessment is based on the estimated market value of the property less any outstanding mortgage.

The statutory formula for assessing means from capital for DA is as follows:

The rate of DA awarded to the person in question is correct and in accordance with the scheme rules.