Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
138. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for carer’s allowance which has been approved in the name of a person (details supplied) will be backdated to the date of the original application in 2021; if arrears have already been paid based on the recent approval and the circumstances of the applicant during this period; and if a review of the applications will be expedited. [52314/22]
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 13 November 2020.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of the application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 6 January 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of their application. Following this and subsequent appeals the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned requested a further appeal and submitted further medical evidence from the care recipients GP dated 3 August 2021. Following a review by the appeals office of this information, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 20 August 2022, with effect from 5 August 2021 to 22 December 2021.
Arrears for the period 5 August 2021 to 22 December 2021 issued to their nominated bank account on 25 August 2022.
The person concerned was awarded on an arrears only basis as their hours of employment had increased. A schedule of hours of employment was requested and following receipt of same the person concerned was awarded CA on 22 September 2022 with effect from 10 February 2022. During the period from 23 December 2021 to 9 February 2022, the person concerned was working in excess of 18.5 hours per week.
The first payment issued to their nominated bank account on 29 September 2022.
Arrears for the period 10 February 2022 to 28 September 2022 issued on 29 September 2022.
The person concerned was notified on 22 September 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
