Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20384/19]
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.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 25 June 2018.
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires on-going care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.
DCA must be in payment in order for a care provider to be eligible for CA in respect of a care recipient under 16. As DCA was not in payment in respect of the care recipient a deciding officer decided that the person concerned was not entitled to CA.
The person concerned was notified on 1 November 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. The person concerned requested a review of this decision.
As DCA has now been awarded in respect of the care recipient, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 7 May 2019 with effect from 5 April 2018 and the first payment will issue to her nominated post office on 16 May 2019.
Arrears of allowance due from 5 April 2018 to 15 May 2019 will also issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 7 May 2019 of the revised decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
