John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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584. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of payments of disability allowance and children’s allowance to persons (details supplied); and if they are due the electricity allowance. [13731/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I confirm that the first named person is currently receiving his full entitlement of Disability Allowance (DA). The first payment issued to him on 14 February 2018. He is also in receipt of the Household Benefits Package (HHB) which includes the electricity allowance of €1.15 per day (which is paid directly to his electricity provider) and the free TV Licence.

A revised decision in this gentleman’s case has resulted in an overpayment being assessed against him in respect of DA payments he received while absent from the State. An appeal against this decision is currently with the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and an oral appeal hearing is being scheduled. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

Child Benefit is currently in payment to the second named person. The most recent payment issued on 8 March 2018. There are no arrears of Child Benefit due.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.