The Department is committed to providing a quality service to its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing eligibility criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of health-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested schemes can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
Currently, the average processing time for Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance is 5 weeks and for Domiciliary Care Allowance is 4 weeks.
Processing times are calculated on the overall number of applications received. Department systems cannot provide processing times using specific address detail only.
Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised. In addition, the staffing needs of all areas are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is considered the "safety net" within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who are awaiting a payment under other State schemes.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
