Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
93. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the application process for the domiciliary care allowance with a view to lessening the burden on struggling carers particularly the cumbersome and onerous eight page form for each specialist consultant the child attends which currently must be submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5473/22]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for parents caring for a child with a severe disability.
Applicants for Domiciliary Care Allowance are required to complete a DomCare 1 application form, which details their child's disability and resultant medical and additional care needs. In addition to this form an applicant can, if they wish, supply further evidence, medical or otherwise, and this can include reports from specialists or other professionals who know the child and their individual needs.
There is no compulsion to provide additional evidence or information but such information can assist the Department's medical assessors and deciding officers to make the appropriate decision on the application at the earliest date possible and reduce the need for further reviews and appeals.
The Department regularly reviews scheme application forms to ensure that they are as user friendly as possible.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
