Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a method of payment will be reviewed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38847/24]

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.

An application for DA in respect of the person concerned was received on 08 February 2024 and they were awarded the maximum personal rate with effect from 14 February 2024. They were also awarded an increase in payment for a child dependent and Fuel Allowance, paid seasonally.

Persons in receipt of Fuel Allowance can opt to receive their allowance with their weekly Social Welfare payment or by lump sum payment paid twice yearly during the fuel season.

The Fuel Allowance payment of the person concerned was set to issue weekly with their Disability Allowance payment, commencing on 25 September 2024 rather than their requested lump sum payment.

I can confirm that this has now been rectified and the person concerned will receive their fuel lump sum payment less one week already paid, via their chosen payment method on 02 October 2024. Correspondence dated 25 September 2024 issued to the person concerned confirming details of this payment.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.