Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
636. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the delay in transferring the carer's allowance application file of a person (details supplied) to the social welfare appeals office for independent assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48401/18]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
CA was in payment to the person concerned from 27 May 2010. The Department periodically reviews applications that are in payment to ensure continued eligibility. After the person concerned commenced employment, a review was initiated in May 2018.
As a result of this review, it was decided that the person concerned was no longer entitled to CA as their means exceeded the statutory limit. She was notified of this decision on 8 June 2018 and of her right or review and appeal.
On 11 July 2018, the Department received notification from the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) that an appeal had been received.
At this stage a different deciding officer re-examined the original decision along with the additional statement and evidence provided in support of the appeal.
The result was that CA was re-awarded to the person concerned on 15 November 2018 with effect from 21 June 2018. The first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 22 November 2018.
Arrears of allowance due from 21 June 2018 to 21 November 2018 will also issue to the person concerned on 22 November 2018.
The person concerned was notified on 15 November 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
