Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
463. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a late appeal will be accepted and an oral hearing will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15844/22]
View answerAn application for Carer's Allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 7 February 2019. I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned was received in that Office on 21 March 2022.
An appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer, taking into account the circumstances of the case. In view of the fact that 3 years have elapsed since the person concerned was notified of the decision, and in the absence of any reason for not submitting an appeal within the prescribed timeframe, I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that an appeal is unlikely to be accepted.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
If there has been any change in circumstances it is open to the person concerned to reapply for carer's allowance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
