Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1218. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on work undertaken by her Department to examine the immediate end of disability allowance on the death of a young adult (details supplied) given a case recently raised with her; if she is considering making changes to this, including aligning it with domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40233/22]
View answerThe key role of the Department of Social Protection is to provide income support where an income need arises due to a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment to people with a specified disability, who are aged between 16 and 66 and who are resident in the state.
If a Disability Allowance claimant dies and there is an increase for an adult dependant in payment, the payment continues for six weeks. If a Disability Allowance claimant dies and there is no increase for an adult dependant, entitlement to payment ceases upon the death of that person. However, if another person is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance in respect of that person, the Carer’s Allowance payment will continue for a period of 12 weeks. The following also applies:
- In circumstances where a person is in receipt of another social welfare payment together with a half-rate Carer’s Allowance, then the half-rate Carer’s Allowance will also continue for 12 weeks.
- The Carer’s Support Grant, which is paid on the first Thursday in June will automatically be paid where Carer’s Allowance is paid on that date. This will also include instances where the person being cared for has passed away before that date.
- The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme provides a number of supports to help persons facing financial hardship. Under the scheme, the Department may make an additional needs payment to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Department and payments are at the discretion of the Community Welfare officer taking into account all the relevant circumstances of the case. The main items eligible for assistance include help with fuel, utility bills, repairs to or replacement of household appliances, clothing, child related items, assistance with funerals or burial costs and travel.
My officials are currently reviewing the process in place regarding Disability Allowance in such circumstances.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
