Michael Ring
Question:1714 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer's allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [16745/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned applied for a carer's allowance on 8 April. In order to receive it full-time care and attention must be required and provided to the care recipient. The means test which applies must also be satisfied.
She was refused the carer's allowance on 6 June on the basis that her weekly means, derived from her spouse's earnings and assessed at €155.45, exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of carer's allowance.
She subsequently appealed the decision and her case was referred to the SWA office. The appeals officer upheld the decision and consequently the appeal was not allowed. She was notified accordingly on 1 October. An appeals officer's decision is final and can only be reviewed in the light of new facts or fresh evidence.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Question No. 1715 answered with Question No. 1691.