Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

During 2023, the Department received over 28,700 new applications for DA. Over the course of the year, the Department awarded over 16,400 claims.

Where an applicant's Disability Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.

Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Where the decision was not revised by the Department, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.

The table below shows the number of DA claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:

*Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.

Please find below the number of CA applications submitted in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024

Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

Where an applicant's Carer's Allowance claim is initially disallowed, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This allows the applicant to present additional documentation / evidence where this is available. Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a Deciding Officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their circumstances or the circumstance of the care recipient may not have been fully captured at the initial application stage.

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The table below shows the number of CA appeals received and allowed, disallowed or partially allowed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) from 2020 to the end of March 2024.

Appeals that had a favourable outcome for the appellant consist of appeals that were either allowed in full or in part by an Appeals Officer, or that were resolved by way of a revised decision in favour of the appellant by a Deciding Officer.

There are a number of reasons why a decision that was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer.

Where the decision was not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.

I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

Where an applicant's Invalidity Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.

Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The table below shows the number of IP claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:

* Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.