Billy Timmins
Question:465 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the amount paid for a carer's allowance; the reason it is means tested; and the plans, if any, he has for a review in this regard. [21367/99]
Vol. 509 No. 6
465 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the amount paid for a carer's allowance; the reason it is means tested; and the plans, if any, he has for a review in this regard. [21367/99]
467 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will ensure that people applying for a carer's allowance are no longer means tested in view of the great need which exists for many carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21373/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 467 together.
The carer's allowance is a means tested payment for carers on low income who look after people in need of full-time care and attention. The maximum rate of payment is £76.50 per week for a carer caring for one person. A carer caring for more than one person may be entitled to up to £114.80 per week. In addition, a carer in receipt of a carer's allowance is also entitled to a respite care grant of £200 every year. Qualified carers are also entitled to a free travel pass and the free telephone rental allowance.
466 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of persons on a widow or widower's pension; the current allowance; and the plans, if any, he has to increase this allowance. [21368/99]
At the end of September 1999, there were 99,256 people in receipt of a widow's/widower's contributory pension and 18,094 in receipt of a widow's/widower's non-contributory pension. The breakdown of these figures is set out in the following table.
Widow's/Widower's Contributory Pension |
|
Females |
90,429 |
Males |
8,827 |
Total |
99,256 |
Widow's/Widower's Non-Contributory Pension |
|
Females |
17,961 |
Males |
133 |
Total |
18,094 |
Under 66 yrs |
66 yrs and over |
|
Widow's/Widower'sContributory Pension |
£77.10 |
£82.10 |
Widow's/Widower'sNon-Contributory Pension |
£73.50 |
£78.50 |
One Parent Family Payment |
£73.50 |
£78.50 |
Death Benefit Pension |
£95.40 |
£95.40 |