Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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237. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on a disability allowance application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5429/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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, a means test and the habitual residency conditions. 

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 12 August 2024.  Their initial application did not contain all the information required to determine their eligibility for DA.  An information request letter was sent to this individual on 23 August 2024 to supply this supporting documentation.  I can confirm that some of the requested information was received on 13 September 2024.

A further information request letter was sent to this individual on 02 October 2024 and to date no reply has been received.  As the person concerned failed to supply the requested information, their means could not be determined and the claim was disallowed on this bases. 

Based on all the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, their DA claim was also disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition for the scheme was not satisfied.

The person was notified of the decision in writing on 04 November 2024.  They were advised of their entitlement to request a review and/or appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).  They were also reminded about the outstanding documents required to determine their means.

I can confirm to date that no request for review and/or appeal has been received.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.