Huge delay in decisions on welfare appeals

Social welfare claimants whose applications for benefits have been turned down are facing “unacceptable delays” of several months in having the decision appealed, the Department of Social Protection has admitted.

The department said approximately 20,000 appeal cases are still to be dealt with.

Department officials also told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education yesterday they are uncovering cases of people working with one PPS number and claiming benefits with another PPS number.