Carer's Allowance Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (424)

John McGuinness

Question:

424. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the details of the claim for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the appeal which was lodged by this Deputy and acknowledged on 6 December 2010 was fully processed; if the outcome of this appeal will be outlined; if she will confirm if the applicant was contacted during the appeals process and, if so, if the applicant was notified of the outcome; if she will confirm the way the overpayment occurred as the applicant claims to have been caring for a person since 1990; and if any action will be postponed regarding the suggested overpayment until the applicant has time to respond as they are now in poor health. [25954/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I can confirm that Carer's Allowance was awarded from 7th July 2005 to the person concerned. Payment was stopped on 25th May 2010 when the Department became aware that the person being cared for had entered a nursing home. An overpayment was assessed against the person concerned for the period 12th March 2009 to 26th May 2010. The Department wrote to the person concerned notifying them of this overpayment and affording them the right to appeal the decision. The person in question appealed this decision in writing and their letter was sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6th of December 2010. However, it appears that this correspondence went astray and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has confirmed that they did not receive this appeal request.

I can confirm that, in the particular circumstances of this case, an appeal has now been accepted by the Social Welfare Appeals Office and they have undertaken to expedite the matter as far as possible. I can further confirm that recovery of the overpayment will be deferred until such time as the outcome of the appeal has been determined by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.