Robert Troy
Question:109. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will grant a carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36518/16]
View answerWednesday, 23 November 2016
Questions (109)
Written answers
I confirm that my Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 29 August 2016.
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.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the carer cannot engage in employment or self-employment outside the home.
However, 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 for CA was refused on the grounds that person concerned was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week.
The person concerned was notified on 19 October 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
If the lady concerned has specific income needs that cannot be met by her household income, she may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from her local community welfare service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.