Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022
129. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on a social welfare payment matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26820/22]
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 was received from the person concerned on 3 March 2020.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 6 March 2020 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.
On foot of the SWI report, a Deciding Officer (DO) decided that although the person concerned was providing a certain amount of care, the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
It was determined the full-time care and attention criteria was not satisfied and the application for CA was disallowed. The person concerned was notified on 6 January 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested. Following this review the decision remained unchanged. The person concerned was notified on 30 March 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of appeal.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The outcome of the appeal is that the original decision was upheld, and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified of the Appeal decision in writing on 4 May 2021. 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.
