Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
681. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if a moratorium will be considered on routine reviews of the carer's allowance until the pandemic is over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17344/21]
View answer682. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to a moratorium on reviews for all carers until the Covid-19 pandemic is over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17356/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 681 and 682 together.
Carer'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.
CA reviews take place in a number of circumstances as follows:
- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option of a review;
- Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews as part of its control strategy to ensure that there is continued entitlement; and
- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement.
As outlined above, a wide range of reviews are carried out arising from customer requests, together with reviews undertaken by the Department. At present, although some control reviews are being carried out, the Department is prioritising reviews where a customer has notified a change in circumstances and may have an entitlement to an increase in rate, or where the revised decision will provide for award of payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
