Bernard Durkan
Question:239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which a person (details supplied) can qualify for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9901/24]
View answerThursday, 29 February 2024
Questions (239)
Written answers
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.
I confirm that an application for CA was received from the person concerned on 27 November 2023.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was engaged in employment for more than 18.5 hours per week and their means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 19 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
On foot of this parliamentary question, the file has been sent for review. If the person concerned has further evidence to support their request for a review, it should be submitted as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.