Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
782. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/16]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to people who have a disability such that they require that level of care and who satisfy a means test.
I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 25 January 2016 in respect of two care recipients.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied.
During the course of the SWI investigation it was determined that the person concerned may be periodically working outside the home in excess of 15 hours per week.
In order to establish the facts of this, employment information was requested on 7 September 2016.
Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
