Jen Cummins
Ceist:519. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) is classified in their receipt of disability allowance as an adult dependent. [13934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 March 2025
Ceisteanna (519)
Freagraí scríofa
Disability 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, a means test and the habitual residency condition.
The means test takes account of all income and assets of the applicant and their spouse/partner, where applicable. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments. The weekly rate of a DA payment depends on the amount of weekly means assessed.
Following a review of the DA entitlements of the person concerned, based on the evidence supplied and information available to the Department, it was found that they had an increase in their means from their previous assessment. The person concerned was assessed with weekly means of €259.05. A reduced rate of DA was awarded with effect from 8 May 2024. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 24 April 2024.
When means are calculated, this will come off the personal element of the payment first and then be deducted from the increase for qualified adult. This apportionment of means does not change the amount payable to the person concerned.
On their award letter, the person concerned was awarded an overall DA rate of €166.50 which included Fuel Allowance of €33.00. This was calculated as a Basic rate of €232.00 plus an Increase for a Qualified Adult of €154.00. Means of €252.50 were then subtracted giving a total of €133.50. When the fuel allowance is included, this gives a total of €166.50.
The person concern appealed that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 3 May 2024 and this was received on 12 May 2024. Having examined this case, an Appeals Officer upheld the Department’s decision, and the person concerned was notified of the outcome in writing on 18 February 2025. An Appeal Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.