Unemployment assistance rate and assessed means
Fahey asked why a Galway claimant was not receiving full pay-related benefit. He did not meet the contribution conditions for unemployment benefit and was receiving reduced unemployment assistance; his appeal against the means assessment was referred for investigation.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not being paid pay-related social insurance benefit at the full rate; and if he will reconsider his decision in this case with a view to the payment of full benefit.
Comment on this
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit from 30 July 1982 but as he did not satisfy the statutory contribution conditions during the relevant contribution period, 6 April 1980 to 5 April 1981, his claim was disallowed. However, he was paid unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £8.80 being the maximum rate payable to him, £21.20 less means £12.40 derived from the national value of his holding and from capital. He has appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for a factual assessment of his means before submitting his case to an appeals officer for determination.
A new benefit year commenced on 3 January 1983 and as he satisfied the contribution condition during the relevant contribution period 6 April 1981 to 5 April 1982, his unemployment benefit claim was allowed. He is accordingly entitled to the maximum flat rate unemployment benefit of £31.65 payable from 3 January 1983.
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