Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
257. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for invalidity pension that were lodged, the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37347/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity 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.
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. When considering the new evidence a deciding officer may overturn the initial decision on review. 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 details the number of IP claims received, awarded and refused during the periods requested. It also details the number of IP appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the number of IP appeals allowed and disallowed following appeal. Data in relation to review outcomes is included in the overall allowed or disallowed.
|
Year |
IP Claims received |
*IP Claims Awarded by Deciding Officer |
IP claims Disallowed by Deciding Officer |
IP Appeals received by Appeals Office |
IP Appeals allowed by Appeals office |
IP appeals disallowed by Appeals office |
|
2022 |
8932 |
5918 |
4142 |
1633 |
577 |
590 |
|
2023 |
11498 |
7651 |
5188 |
1822 |
847 |
623 |
|
2024 - To end August 2024 |
6525 |
4960 |
3804 |
1616 |
574 |
390 |
* IP Claims awarded by Deciding Officer 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.
