Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
723. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (detail supplied) did not receive carer's allowance while caring for their dying spouse; and if the allowance can be paid retrospectively and an acknowledgment be made for the care given by the person to their spouse. [21986/20]
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.
An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
I can confirm that my department received two applications for CA from the person concerned, the first on 31 Jul 2019, in respect of her husband and the second on 6 August 2019, in respect of her daughter.
In the case of the application received on 6 August 2019, the application was awarded to the person concerned on 3 September 2019 with effect from 8 August 2019. The first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 12 September 2019. Arrears due from 8 August 2019 to 11 September 2019 issued also.
The person concerned was notified on 3 September 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The evidence submitted in support of the application received on 31 July 2019 was examined and the deciding officer decided that the person concerned did not make the claim for CA within the prescribed timeframe. The person they were caring for was deceased prior to receipt of the application.
The person concerned was notified on 24 September 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 2 October 2019.
The outcome of the appeal is that the original decision is confirmed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
