Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 19 September 2023. Their initial application did not contain all the information required to determine their eligibility for DA. An information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 12 October 2023 to supply this supporting documentation. I can confirm that this information was received on 17 October 2023.

Based on the information received, it was still not possible for the deciding officer (DO) to complete an assessment of this application without additional information. A further information request issued to the person concerned on 20 November 2023 to supply confirmation of specific financial transactions and to provide responses to questions unanswered on the initial application form.

Once the requested information is returned, the DO will review the claim and issue a written decision directly to the customer.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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352. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51906/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 4 August 2023. Their initial application did not contain all the information required to determine their eligibility for DA. The application was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. The SWI submitted their report on 28 September 2023.

Following a review of all available information, it was determined that the weekly means of the person concerned were €486.23 which is higher than the statutory limit for DA of €366.00. The person concerned was notified of the decision to disallow their claim by letter on 18 November 2023. They were also informed of their entitlement to request a review/appeal of the decision. I can confirm that to date a request for review/appeal has not been received.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.