Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for disability allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42181/23]
View answerDisability 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 confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 30 January 2023. As their initial application did not contain all the information required to make decision, an information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 3 February 2023. The information request allows the person 21 days to provide the required information in order to determine eligibility for DA.
As the person concerned failed to supply the requested information, their means could not be determined and the claim was disallowed on this basis. The person was notified of the decision in writing on 22 March 2023 and advised of their entitlement to request a review/appeal of the decision. They were also notified of the outstanding documents required to determine means.
On 13 April 2023, the person concerned submitted part of the outstanding documents. A review of the claim was initiated and an information request for the rest of the outstanding documents issued on 2 May 2023. I can confirm that only part of the requested documentation were submitted on 16 May 2023.
As the person concerned failed to supply all requested information, their means could not be determined and the claim was disallowed on this basis. They were notified of the decision in writing on 26 May 2023 and advised of their entitlement to request a review/appeal of the decision. They were also notified of the outstanding documents required to determine means.
Following contact from the person concerned, the information request of 2 May 2023 was reissued on 19 June 2023. I can confirm that the outstanding information was supplied on 28 June 2023.
The application was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. The SWI submitted their report on 18 August 2023.
Following a review of all available information, it was determined that the weekly means of the person concerned were €378.98 which is higher than the statutory limit of €346.00. The person concerned was notified of the decision to disallow their claim by letter on 27 September 2023. They were also informed of their entitlement to request a review/appeal of the decision. I can confirm that, to date, a request for review/appeal has not been received.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
