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Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (561)

Dara Calleary

Question:

561. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the domiciliary care allowance in each of the years 2019 to 2021; the percentage of these applications that were successful on the first application in each year; the percentage of unsuccessful applications that were appealed; the percentage of these applications that were successful in their appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23322/22]

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Written answers

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of children with a severe disability who require care and attention substantially in excess of that required by children of a similar age without such a disability, providing this additional care is likely to last for at least 12 months.

In 2019 there were 6,383 awarded claims and 1,203 disallowed claims. Outcomes from decided appeals are shown in the table below.

Jan - Dec 2019

Appeals

Allowed

811

71.0%

Partially Allowed

10

0.9%

Disallowed

321

28.1%

Total

1,142

In 2020 there were 5,389 awarded claims and 1,045 disallowed claims. Outcomes from decided appeals are shown in the table below.

2020

Appeals

Jan-Dec 2020

Allowed

912

62.9%

Partially Allowed

51

3.5%

Disallowed

488

33.6%

Total

1,451

In 2021 there were 5,816 awarded claims and 1,820 disallowed claims. Outcomes from decided appeals are shown in the table below.

2021

Appeals

Jan-Dec 2021

Allowed

533

59.5%

Partially Allowed

25

2.8%

Disallowed

338

37.7%

Total

896

The number of DCA applications continues to increase. Applicants are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible at application stage to ensure all information is available to the deciding officer before the initial decision is made.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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