295. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals to disability allowance refusals received in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022. 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of appeals that were successful in each year; and the number of appeals in which the original decision was upheld in each year. [39896/24]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. Before a decision can be made on entitlement to DA, evidence must be provided in respect of the person’s medical condition, the extent to which it restricts them from taking up employment, their means and their habitual residency.

Should an application for DA be refused, it is open to the person to request a review of the decision by the Department. The person may also give notice of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer, provide grounds for the appeal and submit any new evidence or information to be considered by an Appeals Officer.

Applicants for DA are encouraged to provide as much information as possible with their application so that their claim can be decided at the earliest possible stage and time.

The table below shows a breakdown of appeals to DA refusals received by the Social welfare Appeals Office in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024:

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.