Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022
168. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) who is seeking the carer’s allowance will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10342/22]
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.
An application for CA from the person concerned was received on 18 April 2016. The person’s application was disallowed on 26 July 2016 on the grounds that the person failed to supply documentation that was requested from her. The person concerned was notified on 26 July 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
A further application for CA from the person concerned was received on 20 July 2017.
It is a condition for CA that the applicant be considered habitually resident in this State. A Deciding Officer (DO), based on the evidence submitted, decided the person concerned is not habitually resident in the State and therefore does not have an entitlement to CA.
The person concerned was notified on 24 November 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. The person concerned subsequently appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and her appeal was disallowed on 16 May 2018.
A third application for CA was received from the person concerned on 13 August 2020 and was disallowed on grounds that the person failed to supply documentation that was requested from her. The person concerned was notified on 9 December 2020 of this decision and of her right of review and appeal. Following a review there was no change to the decision of 9 December 2020.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the (SWAO). The outcome of the appeal is that the original decision was upheld, and the appeal was disallowed. The SWAO decision is final in this matter and can only be reviewed in light of new evidence or facts not previously considered.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
