Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
387. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care grants in the past three years; the number of applications refused in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30973/20]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment made in respect of a child with a severe disability who requires additional care and attention. It is payable to the person providing for the child's care at a rate of €309.50 per month. In addition, a Carers Support Grant of €1,700 is payable in respect of all children on DCA in June of each year.
Detail on the claims received in each of the last three years and the numbers refused at first decision are set out in the table below;
|
Year |
Number of Applications for DCA |
Number of DCA applications refused on first application |
|
2017 |
8,197 |
2,187 |
|
2018 |
8,609 |
2,225 |
|
2019 |
8,719 |
2,875 |
|
2020 (to end of September) |
5,322 |
2,145 |
It should be noted that many of the customers whose claims are refused subsequently submit additional information on the care needs of their children and request a review or an appeal of the first decision.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
