Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2019
321. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will take steps to ensure that a carer’s allowance is restored to a person (details supplied); if same will now be addressed without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48006/19]
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.
A person is deemed to require full-time care and attention (FTCA) where they require from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid being a danger to themselves. They must also be likely to require this level of care for at least 12 consecutive months.
Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement to payment. This includes reviews to ensure that the person being cared for continues to satisfy the care requirement.
As part of a review of this person's entitlement to Carer's Allowance (CA), a medical report form (MR33) was requested on 15 November 2018. The person concerned was in receipt of carer’s allowance (CA) in respect of his son until 26 June 2019 when his claim was terminated as he had failed to supply the documentation requested. The person concerned was notified on 29 May 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned then forwarded the documentation requested on 19 July 2019, which is currently being reviewed by a Medical Assessor of my Department.
Following receipt of the information requested and pending completion of the review, the person concerned has been re-awarded full rate CA in respect of his second care recipient, his son, with effect from 27 June 2019.
Arrears of allowance from 27 June 2019 to 28 November 2019 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 19 November 2019 of this outcome. The review of this person's entitlement is ongoing and the person concerned will be notified once the review is complete.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
