Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has described the current application process for a Disability Allowance as a ‘shambles’.

According to the Sinn Féin TD, figures recently provided by the Department of Social Protection reveal an underlying contradiction in how the Department are dealing with applications for a Disability Allowance, as two in every three decisions are being overturned when appealed.

Deputy Seán Crowe stated:

“There is something clearly wrong with the current application process for getting a Disability Allowance. Figures released by the Department of Social Protection show that 42% of applications for Disability Allowance were refused, but on appeal two-thirds of these were then accepted.

“There are also a large number of applicants who don’t appeal the original decision.

“The current system is chaotic and the major problems that clearly exist in the application process need to be urgently addressed and rectified.

“Right across the Social Protection portfolio there are other payments with high refusal rates, and this demonstrates gaping flaws in the various application processes.”

Crowe continued:

“The high rate of decisions overturned by the Disability Appeals Office makes it clear that problems exist in the initial application process for a Disability Allowance.

“It is an unnecessarily difficult and frustrating process for people, who in many cases have serious medical issues and are at a really low point in their lives. The majority of cases involve people in desperate need of welfare supports and the current process is cruel.

“To make matters worse many are then forced to go through the extra procedure of a lengthy appeal when they clearly fit the criteria, as the figures on successful appeals confirm.

“The Minister needs to urgently act on this issue and the current shambles cannot be allowed to drift along. Everyday some poor unfortunate is caught up in a system that isn’t responding in a timely manner to their needs and leaving them even more vulnerable.”

ENDS