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Social Welfare Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Questions (573)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an appeal against a decision to stop a carer's allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13869/22]

View answer

Written answers

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. 

I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of CA in respect of her care recipient since 31 May 2012.   

Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement.   Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.

A review was initiated in the case concerned and the person’s file was subsequently referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to evaluate means and to confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.

On foot of the SWI report, correspondence issued to the person concerned on 21 September 2021 to advise that her CA and Carer’s Support Grant (CSG) payments were under review as she failed to submit information requested by a SWI.  As it was not possible to determine whether she satisfies the conditions for the receipt of CA, her payment was suspended from 30 September 2021. 

On 14 March 2022 a Deciding Officer reviewed all the available evidence and decided that the person concerned was no longer entitled to CA as she had failed to show that she satisfied the conditions for CA and had failed to supply documentation that was requested from her.  In addition, her entitlement to CA from 31 May 2012 to 30 September 2021 is also being investigated

The person concerned was also advised of her right of review and appeal.

Anyone experiencing financial difficulties while awaiting a decision on or a review of any social welfare payment can contact their local Intreo Centre and enquire as to their entitlement to a payment under the Department's Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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