Written answers

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Rates

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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392. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct current rate of social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9538/23]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means-test, at application stage and through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held and notify the Department of any relevant changes that may affect their rate of entitlement.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum over 80 rate of state pension non-contributory payable, together with Fuel Allowance during the winter season.

The Deputy's representations will be taken as a request for a review, to ensure the person concerned is in receipt of the correct rate of pension. The person should complete and return a review questionnaire when received (together with any necessary supporting documentation).

The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of the review in writing when complete.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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393. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct current rate of jobseeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9539/23]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Following engagement between my officials and the Deputy we understand that this question should correctly relate to Disability Allowance (DA) rather than Jobseekers Allowance as is stated in the question.

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of DA effective from 11 July 2018 and currently assessed with nil means.

The current weekly rate of DA of the person in question is €303.00.

DA full weekly basic rate of - €220.00.

Increase for Qualified Child - €50.00.

Fuel Allowance - €33.00.

The Fuel Allowance under the national fuel scheme is paid during the Fuel Season currently during the months September to April inclusive.

A statement of Social Welfare payments for the period 01 January to 31 December 2022 and 04 January 2023 to date (28 February 2023) was issued to the person concerned on 22 February 2023.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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394. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9542/23]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

The person concerned was in receipt of Illness Benefit from 1 September 2020 to 5 September 2022. The person concerned was also in receipt of half rate Carer's Allowance (CA) during this period. I can advise that the correct rate has now been applied in respect of the period from 8September 2022.

Correspondence issued to the customer on 21 February 2023 outlining the up to date situation including details of arrears owing. These arrears will issue shortly.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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