Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based payment, made to a person 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.
Before a decision can be made on entitlement to CA or CARB, evidence must be provided in respect of a number of criteria including, the level of care they provide, their means and also that the person being cared for has such a disability that they require full-time care and attention.
Carer's reviews take place in a number of circumstance as follows:-
- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option to request a review or an appeal of this decision.
- Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement
I am advised that there are no statistics collated on the totality of carer's allowance reviews carried out each year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.