Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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432. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11005/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 27 October 2022 and will receive her first payment to her nominated bank account on 16 March 2023. Any arrears due from 22 October 2022 to 15 March 2023 will issue shortly. The person in question was notified of this decision on 1 March 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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433. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11014/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The Department received a claim for IP for the person referred to on the 24 November 2022. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Notification of the decision issued to the person concerned on the 28 February 2022 informing him of this decision and the reasons for it. He was also advised of his right of to request a review of this decision and his right to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for Jobseekers Benefit (Self Employed) (JBSE) on the 12/01/2023 and requested that their claim be backdated to the 01/01/2023. No reason for late application was given. Their claim was disallowed on the basis that they were still engaged as a self employed contributor, their rental income had not ceased and therefore they had not ceased all self employment activities.

The entitlement conditions for JBSE include that a person satisfies the contribution conditions and is not engaged in employment or self employment.

A disallowance letter was issued to the person concerned on the 23/01/2023 and they were advised that they had until the 13/02/2023 to appeal the decision. As no appeal was received, the claim for JBSE was closed.

In relation to their possible application for Benefit Payment for over 65 (BP65) on reaching their 65th birthday, this scheme is based on JBSE legislation. The person concerned has stated that their rental income is ongoing, therefore their self employment will be deemed ongoing and he would not be considered as having ceased self employment for the purposes of qualifying for BP65.

However, as the person concerned has yet to reach their 65th birthday, this Department is not in a position to predict a future entitlement as circumstances may change in the future. The person concerned should submit and application for BP65 upon reaching the age of 65 and an official decision will be issued.