Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) section has a target of processing 90% of all new applications within a ten week timeframe. This target has been consistently achieved and exceeded every month since April 2020. As at the 30th June 2021, there were 1,852 claims awaiting decision and the average processing time was 8.5 weeks.
Processing times can be affected by the volume of applications received in a given timeframe and the availability of staff resources at that time. Claim processing activity is prioritised and the management of the DCA section in the Department monitor this activity on an ongoing basis and respond to any changes which impact on processing times.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.