U'Brien and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

This matter concerned an appeal by Mr U’Brien against a decision of the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The dispute centred on Mr U’Brien's claim for Disability Support Pension (DSP). The decision was made by Mr S. Webb, a Member of the Tribunal.

The legal issues before the Tribunal were whether Mr U’Brien met the requirements for a DSP claim, specifically whether he achieved the requisite 20 points under the Impairment Tables during the qualification period following his claim, and whether he had actively participated in a program of support during the three-year period preceding his claim.

The Member found that Mr U’Brien's claim failed on both grounds. Firstly, he did not meet the 20-point threshold under the Impairment Tables during the relevant qualification period. Secondly, he did not satisfy the requirement of active participation in a program of support in the three years prior to lodging his claim. Consequently, the decision under review was affirmed.