asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position regarding a claim for an old age pension which was made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
439.
The old age pension claim of the person concerned was disallowed by the local pension committee on 29 January 1983 on the ground that her means had not been disclosed. Her husband, who is self-employed, failed to produce details of his haulage business, although he undertook to do so.
440.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a non-contributory old age pension has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The claim of the person concerned has been investigated and referred to the local pension committee for decision. Payment of a pension has not been recommended as the assessment of the person's means, consisting of earnings from self-employment as a haulier and capital, are in excess of the statutory limit. Although the claimant stated that he had transferred his business to his son the social welfare officer who investigated the claim considered that he was still engaged in haulage.
441.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a decision has not yet been reached on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied for unemployment assistance six months ago and who now exists on a supplementary welfare allowance.
The person concerned claimed unemployment assistance in June 1982 but while her case was being investigated by a social welfare officer she notified him that she did not wish to pursue her claim and the claim was withdrawn.
She again claimed unemployment assistance in November 1982 but due to the substantial increase in the number of applications for qualification certificates there was a delay in dealing with her case. Her application is being investigated by a social welfare officer and when the inquiries have been completed her means will be assessed and her entitlement to unemployment assistance will be determined.
442.
asked the outcome of an application for occupational injury benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The person concerned made a claim for injury benefit on 29 October 1982 in respect of an incapacity resulting from an occupational accident on 8 October 1982. Pending completion of investigation of the nature and circumstances of the accident, he was allowed disability benefit on an interim basis from 13 October, fourth day of incapacity. He has been paid all benefit due up to the date of the latest medical certificate. Following inquiries to determine his reckonable earnings in the relevant tax year 1980-81, he was awarded pay-related benefit of £20.03 a week from 23 October, thirteenth day of incapacity, and benefit due has also been paid. Investigations arising out of the accident have not, however, been completed. A decision on the injury benefit claim will be made as soon as possible.
443.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in paying disability benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit to 12 January 1983 when he ceased to sign the unemployment register as he was being admitted to hospital for treatment. The claimant did not submit a claim for disability benefit to my Department, apparently under the impression that the hospital authorities would do so on his behalf. A form on which to claim disability benefit has been issued to him and on return of the form, duly completed, together with medical evidence covering the period of his incapacity, his entitlement to disability benefit will be considered and payment of any benefit due made.
444.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has not received his old age pension which he applied for in June last.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned and his wife are each entitled to old age pension at the rate of £24.45 from June 1982, increased to £30.45 from November 1982 when a transfer of property was effected. Pension books and arrears are in course of issue. A decision on the case had earlier been deferred by the appeals officer because he required further information regarding the transfer to enable him to reach his decision.
445.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when disability benefit will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.
The person concerned has now been paid all disability benefit due to 1 March 1983, date of the latest medical evidence received, less the amount of supplementary welfare allowance advanced to him.