Roscommon Widow’s Pension Appeal
A widow’s non-contributory pension was stopped after her farm and capital were assessed above the statutory means limit. Her appeal was pending further inquiries into the farm transfer, and the Minister promised to investigate the delay immediately.
Question No. 25 is for written reply. That leaves Question No. 24. Does the House wish it to be disposed of now?
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a widow's pension has not yet been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Comment on this
The person concerned had been in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension, based on her means, since the death of her husband in 1975. Following a review of her circumstances her means derived from a farm and capital were assessed at £47.66 per week. This exceeds the statutory limit for receipt of pension and pension was accordingly terminated.
The person concerned has appealed against the decision to terminate pension but before the appeals officer decides her case he has requested that further inquiries be made concerning the transfer of her farm which was not accepted for pension purposes. The appeal will be decided as soon as the inquiries have been completed.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that this individual has signed over the farm since last May and that, despite numerous telephone calls and contacts with the Department over the last two months, this matter has not yet been cleared up?