Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision to refuse an application for a carer's allowance can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62162/21]
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.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit which in this case is €222.60 weekly.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The evidence before the deciding officer included the valuation of 3 additional properties, capital and shares. Following the means calculations and relevant disregards the person concerned was found to have means in excess of the statutory means limit.
The application for CA was disallowed as his means exceeded the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 4 December 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and his right of review and appeal.
On foot of this parliamentary question, the file has been sent for review. If the person concerned has further evidence to support his request for a review, it should be submitted now.
Once the review is complete, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
