asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that, through no fault of their own, many people are not familiar with all the regulations governing schemes administered by his Department; and if he will take steps to ensure that a more reasonable attitude is adopted towards persons who do not apply for benefit or assistance within the times specified in the various regulations and who must advance lack of knowledge as their reason for not so doing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Schemes Regulations.
14.
I understand that the staff of my Department adopt a lenient attitude towards late claimants. However, if the Deputy has particular cases or any particular benefit or assistance in mind, which give rise to difficulty, I will be glad to have the matter considered further on hearing from her.
Is it a fact that when an applicant gives lack of knowledge as a reason for not making a claim on time this is not considered? I suggest this is a rather old-fashioned concept. There should be new thinking on this matter.
The Department take into consideration the fact that persons may not be aware of the benefits to which they are entitled. However, if the Deputy has any particular case or category in mind, I should be glad to look into the matter further.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the matter of widows' pensions? There is a requirement that unless the application is made within three months of the death the widow's pension is backdated only to the time of application. People suffer grief in cases of bereavement and this is frequently the reason for the delay in making application. In addition, there is delay in obtaining a marriage certificate which is necessary when applying. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider this matter also with a view to changing the regulation?
I will look into the matter.