Written answers

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Complaints Procedures

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the basis on which the social welfare investigative officer in undated correspondence to a person (details supplied) made a decision; when payments to the person will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51293/17]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The first person concerned was in receipt of the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension. This person concerned received a letter which mistakenly referred to the second person concerned as co-habiting with her. This is in fact incorrect as the wrong person was named in the letter. The Department wishes to apologise for any upset caused.

The voluntary declaration signed by the first person concerned actually referred to co-habiting with another person. This issue has been highlighted to the relevant business area and a letter will issue to the person concerned correcting the error.

As means could not be established and residency could not be proven, the jobseekers allowance claim in the case of the second person concerned was disallowed. It is open to the second person concerned to request a review of his claim at the local Intreo Centre. All relevant documentation should be submitted in support of a request for a review. Alternatively the second person concerned can appeal the decision of the deciding officer to the Social Welfare Appeals Office which functions independently of the Department. A letter from the Department was issued on 10/11/17 confirming this information.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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