Written answers

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Payments

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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396. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Cork had their disability allowance discontinued; and if she will outline the means assessed against him. [44943/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Disability allowance (DA) is both a means and medically assessed payment. The Department commenced a means review of the person concerned in June 2021. In their reply, the person concerned stated that they now have a rental property which is valued at €270,000 and has no out-standing mortgage.

Properties other than a person’s principal residence are assessable for means purposes for DA. The capital assessable is the current value (less any out-standing mortgage0 which in this case is €270,000.

The formula for assessing capital of €270,000 for means purposes for Disability Allowance is as follows:

Formula Capital Means
First €50,000 is disregarded €50,000 €0
€50,000 to €60,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000 €10,000 €10
€60,00 to €70,000 is assessed at €2 per €1000 €10,000 €20
Over €70,00 is assessed at €4 per €1000 €200,000 €800
Total €270,000 €830.00

Therefore means are assessed from this property at €830.00 per week which exceeds the statutory limit allowed in this case of €203.00

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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397. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that free travel was withdrawn from a person in County Cork (details supplied). [44944/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Free Travel Scheme allows people who are aged 66 years or over, and who are legally and permanently residing in the State, to travel free of charge on most CIE public transport services, LUAS, Local Link, as well as on the public transport services of a large number of private operators in various parts of the country. Certain people under age 66 may also be entitled to free travel if they are in receipt of a qualifying primary payment from my Department.

The person concerned had an entitlement to Free Travel while they were in receipt of an under 66 qualifying primary payment. This payment was stopped in December 2021 and their entitlement to Free Travel was also stopped at this time. A letter issued to the person concerned on 14 December 2021 advising that, as they were no longer in receipt of a qualifying primary payment, they were no longer eligible for the Free Travel scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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399. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a review of a working family payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45141/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.

A review of WFP for the person concerned has been completed and the claim has been awarded from 25th August 2022.

Arrears due to the person concerned from the date of renewal have been issued.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

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