Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for disability allowance in each of the past three years to date; the number granted; the number refused; the number granted following appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25598/24]
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.
During 2023, the Department received over 28,700 new applications for DA and awarded over 16,400 claims.
Where an applicant's DA claim is initially disallowed, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.
Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The table below shows the number of DA claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:
|
Year |
Total DA Received |
Awarded by Deciding Officer* |
Disallowed by Deciding Officer |
Allowed or partially allowed by Appeals Officers |
|
2021 |
20,599 |
13,298 |
14.860 |
2,712 |
|
2022 |
26,021 |
13,817 |
15,663 |
2,422 |
|
2023 |
28,704 |
16,418 |
18,205 |
2,630 |
|
2024 to end March |
6,857 |
4,086 |
4,646 |
481 |
*Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
