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 can confirm that the person concerned was in receipt of DA effective from 30 July 2003 to 6 February 2024. The person concerned had a nominated agent to collect his weekly DA payments at his nominated Post Office. My Department periodically reviews claims to ensure there is continued entitlement.

As part of a review, an information request letter was sent to the individual concerned on 21 December 2023 to complete a household composition form. This letter was returned to the Department on 4 January 2024 with the notification that the person concerned was “Gone Away“ from that address.

On foot of this information, their DA Payment was suspended effective from 6 February 2024.

I can confirm that my Department received representation on behalf of the person concerned on 26 February 2024, notifying of a change of circumstance and supporting documentation that the person concerned had moved into a nursing home. A response issued to the Deputy on 28 February 2024 notifying of the requested information required to reinstate the person's DA payment.

In order to reinstate the DA payment, my Department needs confirmation from the person concerned, or an appointed agent, notifying of a change in his circumstances.

Where a person is unable to collect their payment due to serious illness or loss of mobility, they can appoint another person to collect the payments on their behalf. The nominated person only has the authority to collect payments as a type 1 agent.

An agent type 2 may be appointed in cases where a person is permanently unable to act for themselves or a person is not in a position to discharge their responsibilities. In this type of situation, part 6 of the Agent Form must be completed by a medical practitioner.

I can confirm that, when this requested information is received, a decision will be made on his DA payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.