Seán Haughey
Question:524 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the domiciliary care allowance; the location where applications should be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11340/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (466)
Written answers
The domiciliary care allowance, DCA, was introduced in 1973 by way of circular 24/73 and is payable under section 61 of the Health Act 1970.
Domiciliary care allowance is a monthly allowance administered by health boards and may be paid in respect of eligible children, from birth to the age of 16 years, who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. The condition must be likely to last for at least one year. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by the child rather than to the type of disability involved, subject to the means test. While no condition is debarred, conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy are not normally considered unless there is a high degree of additional care and attention required.
Since the allowance is intended as a recognition of the additional burden involved in caring for children with a severe disability in the child's home, it does not apply to children who are maintained full time in residential homes, schools or other institutions. Eligible children in part-time residential care who go home at weekends or holidays may receive a pro rata payment, that is, a nightly rate based on the number of nights spent at home. The nightly rate is equal to the monthly rate multiplied by 12 and divided by 365. However, the allowance is paid in full in cases where eligible children who live full time at home are absent for a period/s of not more than eight weeks in any 12 month period, that is, hospital admissions or respite.
It is a matter for the senior area medical officer or other designated medical officer in the relevant community care area to decide whether a child qualifies for domiciliary care allowance on medical grounds. The application form for domiciliary care allowance should be obtained by the client or their parent/guardian at local health board offices, completed and submitted to the appropriate community services office.