John McGuinness
Question:503. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if a positive decision will be expedited. [42692/24]
View answerTuesday, 22 October 2024
Questions (503)
Written answers
Invalidity 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.
My Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 8 January 2024. Her claim was refused on 23 January 2024 on the grounds that she is not medically suitable for the scheme. Upon request, the decision was referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and an Appeals Officer allowed her appeal on 4 October 2024.
While the individual concerned is now medically suitable for IP, she must also meet all other qualifying conditions for this payment. A deciding officer (DO) wrote to her on 10 October 2024 asking her to provide a letter from her accountant or from Revenue confirming the date any self-employment that she may have been engaged in ceased. The DO also sought clarity on certain categories of PRSI contributions on her social insurance record which relate to self-employment. To date, the DO has not received this information. Upon receipt of same, the IP claim will be finalised and the DO will be in direct contact with the person in question with a decision on her claim.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.