Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1161. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a disability allowance will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied); if the payment can be reinstated as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19666/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 24 August 2018. His application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that he was substantially restricted in taking up employment. He was notified in writing of this decision on 9 January 2019.

A further application for DA was received from the person concerned on 22 July 2020 which was also refused on medical grounds. The person concerned was notified of this in writing on 24 August 2020. He was also advised of his right to request a review or to appeal this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO). No request for a review or an appeal has been received.

My Department requires customers to provide certain personal data in order to determine eligibility for relevant payments or benefits. No request for information regarding third parties in the rental accommodation of the person concerned issued from the DA section.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1162. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in the case of a review of a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19703/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A review of continued entitlement to disability allowance (DA) in the case of the person concerned was carried out by my Department. The person concerned failed to provide the social welfare inspector (SWI) with the information which was requested in order to confirm their continued entitlement. DA is a means tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation.

A letter issued to the person concerned on 17 June 2020 informing her that her DA would be suspended if the requested documentation was not submitted. Information was received from the person concerned on 7 July 2020 and the file was sent to the SWI for a report on her means and circumstances. The SWI wrote to the person concerned on 9 September 2020 informing them of the information which remained outstanding.

DA payments for the person concerned were suspended with effect from 21 October 2020 as the requested information was not submitted. Additional information was received on 12 November 2020 and the file was resent to the SWI for an assessment. A letter issued to the person concerned on 19 April 2021 outlining the information which is still outstanding. On receipt of the requested information and a subsequent completed report from the SWI a decision will be made on the review and the person concerned will be notified directly in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.