Written Answers Nos. 507-514
507. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments made to persons or families in other than bereavement circumstances in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25594/24]
View answerThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. Additional Needs Payments are an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments, and certain other Supplements available to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
Table 1 shows the number of Additional Needs Payments, other than the Funeral Category and ongoing supplements, yearly, from 2022 to end of Q1 2024.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 – Additional Needs Payments other than the Funeral Category and ongoing supplements, yearly, from 2022 to end of Q1 2024.
|
Year |
No. of Payments |
|
2022 |
93,759 |
|
2023 |
88,859 |
|
2024(to end of Q1) |
21,595 |
508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which any backlogs have been addressed in respect of various headings and payments operated by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25595/24]
View answerMy Department understands the many pressures faced by customers and always seeks to ensure that claims are handled quickly and efficiently.
The Deputy will appreciate how processing times can vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
My Department has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.
In addition, the staffing needs of my Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
I am pleased to report that claim processing is up to date, with processing targets met, or exceeded, on average, for all the main scheme areas.
The table below gives the average weeks to award for all main schemes as of April 2024.
|
Scheme |
Average weeks to Award |
|
State Pension (Contributory) - Irish |
4 |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
3 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
8 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
2 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
1 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
4 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Basic |
1 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
6 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
|
Parent's Benefit |
1 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
6 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
5 |
|
Disability Allowance |
11 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
7 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
1 |
|
Child Benefit (Dom & FRA) |
1 |
|
Working Family Payment |
9 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
5 |
|
Household Benefits |
1 |
|
Free Travel |
9 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
509. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for domiciliary care 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. [25596/24]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months.
The following table sets out the number of applications made for Domiciliary Care Allowance in each of the past 3 years to date; the number granted/ allowed; the number refused/ disallowed; including the number granted/ allowed following appeal;
|
Year |
Applications Received |
Applications Allowed |
Applications Disallowed |
Applications Allowed following Appeal |
Applications Partially Allowed following Appeal |
|
2022 |
10,524 |
7,872 |
3,948 |
698 |
48 |
|
2023 |
12,327 |
8,045 |
4,076 |
862 |
54 |
|
2024 (available to 30/04/24) |
4,194 |
3,072 |
1,494 |
268 |
15 |
In many cases, more than one decision may be made where an applicant provides further information/ documentary evidence and/or seeks a review of a decision, i.e. an application can be disallowed initially and then subsequently allowed on review. Applicants are advised to provide as much detail as possible at application stage, including any additional information and/or documentary evidence that is relevant, to ensure that all information is available to my Department for the decision and assessment process.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for carer’s 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. [25597/24]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.
In order to qualify, applicants must show that they are habitually resident in the State, that their means are less than the statutory limit, that they are providing full-time care and attention, and that the person being cared for requires that level of care.
The tables below shows the number of CA applications received, awarded and disallowed for the past three years.
|
Year |
Received |
Awarded |
Disallowed |
|
2021 |
19,648 |
14,804 |
9,134 |
|
2022 |
22,781 |
14,921 |
10,115 |
|
2023 |
22,633 |
17,333 |
10,875 |
|
2024 (to 31/05/2024) |
9,511 |
6,871 |
4,233 |
Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded and disallowed cases include cases that may have been received in a preceding year.
Where an applicant's CA claim is initially disallowed, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This allows the applicant to present additional documentation / evidence where this is available. Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a Deciding Officer (DO). This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their circumstances or the circumstance of the care recipient may not have been fully captured at the 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 (SWAO).
The table below shows the number of CA appeals allowed or partially allowed by the SWAO for the past three years.
|
Year |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
|
2021 |
886 |
95 |
|
2022 |
804 |
67 |
|
2023 |
680 |
52 |
|
2024 (to 31/05/2024) |
234 |
25 |
Appeals that had a favourable outcome for the appellant consist of appeals that were either allowed in full or in part by an Appeals Officer, or that were resolved by way of a revised decision in favour of the appellant by a DO.
There are a number of reasons why a decision that was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the DO.
Where the decision was not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
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.
512. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for an invalidity pension 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. [25599/24]
View answerInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A person may be disallowed IP for not satisfying the contribution qualifying conditions as well as not satisfying the medical criteria for IP.
Where an applicant's IP claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, 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 IP claims received, disallowed and awarded in the periods as requested:
|
Year |
Total IP Received |
Awarded IP by Deciding Officer* |
Disallowed IP by Deciding Officer |
Awarded on foot of an Appeal by Appeal Officers decision |
|
2021 |
8,849 |
6,109 |
4,551 |
874 |
|
2022 |
8,932 |
5,918 |
4,142 |
577 |
|
2023 |
11,498 |
7,651 |
5,188 |
847 |
|
2024 to end May |
4,304 |
3,536 |
2,630 |
305 |
* 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 position for the Deputy.
513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for the working family payment 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. [25600/24]
View answerThe Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment. The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment. Once awarded, WFP is payable for 52 weeks. At the end of the 52-week period, a customer must reapply (renew) to determine ongoing eligibility.
The tables below shows total new claims and renewal applications in each of the past three years. The requested information detailing the number of claims awarded, the number of claims disallowed, and the number of claims awarded following an appeal are also set out in the tables.
Please note reference to claims allowed after Appeal refers to decisions made by the Appeals Office only.
Working Family Payment New Claims Processing Information
|
Year New Claims New Claims New Claims New Claims Received Awarded Disallowed Allowed after Appeal
|
|
|
2021 22,623 15,352 8,469 0 |
|
|
2022 34,372 19,535 12,849 1 |
|
|
2023 30,125 14,594 16,568 2 |
Working Family Payment Renewal Claims Processing Information
|
Year Renewal Claims Renewal Claims Renewal Claims Renewal Claims |
|
|
2021 38,363 35,353 4,671 1 |
|
|
2022 37,517 33,116 5,157 3 |
|
|
2023 41,232 36,687 6,493 2 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
514. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to expanding the living alone allowance to those over the age of 66 who are on low pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25613/24]
View answerPrimary weekly social welfare payments are intended to enable recipients to meet their basic day-to-day income needs. In addition to these primary payments, my Department also provides a range of other payments on a weekly, monthly, or less frequent basis. These payments are considered secondary in nature and cannot be made available to those who are not in receipt of a primary payment.
The Living Alone Increase (LAI) is one of those secondary payments. It is not a scheme or a stand-alone payment, but it is a supplement to a primary social protection payment of €22 per week made to people aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. A person eligible for the LAI will receive the full €22 supplement even if they are not in receipt of the maximum rate of their primary payment.
For those aged 66 or over, payments eligible for the LAI include State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Non-contributory), Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, Incapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and Deserted Wife's Benefit.
LAI is also paid to people aged under 66 who live alone and are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension.
There are no circumstances where the Living Alone Increase can be paid to people who are not in receipt of a primary qualifying payment from my Department or who do not meet the living alone eligibility criteria. Any change to the qualifying criteria for this payment would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
