The person concerned applied for carer's allowance and was refused on the grounds that her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit. Her means, derived from her spouse's earnings and a small amount of farm income, amount to €265.95 weekly following the application of the €500 income disregard that applies in the case of carer's allowance.
Guidelines governing the application of the means test allow for a reasonable amount to be granted for travel expenses. In this case the amount of a travel allowance initially granted was reviewed and a revised allowance of €50 per week was applied. Her means, however, still exceed the statutory limit for carer's allowance.
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.