Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1006. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11131/20]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Following the submission of further medical evidence by the person concerned, their disability allowance (DA) application was reviewed and they were awarded a reduced payment of DA with effect from 16 October 2019.  The first payment was made on 6 May 2020.

New information was received and a review was carried out on the means of the person concerned on 8 April 2020 and on 10 June 2020.  Following a review of the entitlement of this lady, it was found that she had a decrease in her means from her previous assessments.  Based on the information provided to my department, a maximum rate of disability allowance (DA) was awarded with effect from 18 March 2020.

A letter issued to this lady informing her of this decision on 10 June 2020.  Arrears of payment due have issued to the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1007. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a disability allowance was reduced for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11132/20]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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A review of this lady’s disability allowance (DA) was carried out and it was established that the person concerned had means not previously disclosed to this department.  DA is a means-tested payment. Means were assessed from the employment of the person concerned and the employment of her spouse, and a reduced amount of DA was awarded.

On 7 November 2019, the person concerned was informed of this decision and she was also notified of her right to seek a review of this decision or to appeal it directly to the social welfare appeals office (SWAO). This lady has lodged an appeal with the SWAO and it is on-going.

A letter giving further clarification on how her weekly payment was calculated and a breakdown of how her means were assessed issued to the person concerned on 21 November 2019.

Following a change in her circumstances this lady's DA was reviewed and it was found that she had an decrease in her means from her previous assessment. An increased rate of DA has been awarded from 18 March 2020. She was notified of this decision on 19 March 2020.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.