Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 September 2022
200. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will raise the age at which a child has to cease claiming domiciliary care allowance from 16 years to 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47482/22]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a parent / guardian caring for a child with a severe disability in the home.
DCA ceases to be payable when a child reaches age 16. A child may transition to Disability Allowance (DA) from age 16, even if still attending fulltime education, subject to satisfying all qualifying conditions for that scheme.
The revision of the qualifying age limit for DCA has been recommended in a number of reports over recent years and continues to be under consideration in the Department.
Consideration of the most appropriate measures to be taken is continuing. It is imperative when deciding on any changes to schemes including changes to the age limits, that any such changes are considered in an overall policy and budgetary context and that any unintended consequences are avoided.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
