Written answer
Social Welfare Eligibility
Disability Allowance was refused twice on medical grounds; the person receives Illness Benefit and has not submitted a Partial Capacity Benefit application.
762. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the reason the disability benefit application was refused on three separate occasions despite full medical evidence being submitted; if he will provide an update on the partial capacity benefit application now submitted. [64788/26]
Comment on this
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly payment available to people aged 16 years and over, and under 66 years of age, who have a specified disability that is expected to last for at least one year. Entitlement to DA is subject to satisfaction of the scheme's medical, means and Habitual Residence Condition requirements.
I can confirm that the Department received an application for Disability Allowance from the person concerned on 23 March 2026. Following consideration of the evidence submitted in support of the application, the claim was disallowed as the medical qualifying conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 24 April 2026 and advised of their right to request a review of the decision and/or appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A request for a review was subsequently received on 21 July 2026. Following a further examination of all evidence provided, the claim remained disallowed on medical grounds. The person concerned was notified of this outcome on 24 August 2026 and was again advised of their right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I can also confirm that the person concerned is currently in receipt of illness Benefit at a weekly rate of €254.00.
At present, the Department has not received an application for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) from the person concerned. Should they wish to apply, they should submit a completed application form together with the required medical report completed by their doctor. The Department will assess the application upon receipt.
In the meantime, if the person concerned requires additional financial assistance, they may apply to the Community Welfare Service for Supplementary Welfare Allowance, which is a means-tested payment.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.