In line with Budget 2023 measures, certain cost of living supports were introduced to assist families, pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers with the cost of living. These measures, which apply to claimants who are in receipt of a specified qualifying payment, range from an autumn cost of living double (weekly) payment and a once off lump sum where applicable. The autumn cost of living double payment applied to recipients who were in receipt of a specified qualifying payment in October 2022, while the cost-of living lump sum payment (€500.00) applied to persons who were in receipt of a qualifying payment in November 2022.
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was a qualifying payment for the autumn cost of living double payment. This double (additional week) payment of €71.20 was issued to DCA recipients along with their October 2022 monthly payment.
DCA was not a qualifying payment for the cost of living lump sum payment (€500.00). Rather, the above cost-of-living bonus payment was payable to recipients of the Carer's Support Grant (where applicable), including DCA recipients who automatically qualify for Carer's Support Grant.
The once-off cost of living lump sum payment €500.00 applied to persons who were in receipt of a specified qualifying payment in November 2022, such as Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and Carer's Support Grant.
Recipients who are in receipt of one or more of the above scheme payments qualified for one €500.00 bonus payment.
According to the Department's records, the cost of living double (weekly) payment was issued to the person concerned as an additional €71.20 with their October 2022 DCA monthly payment on 18 October 2022.
The cost of living lump sum bonus payment €500.00 was issued to the person concerned on 16 November 2022, with their Disability Allowance (DA) payment.
Accordingly, the above once-off €500.00 cost of living payment was not payable to the person concerned in respect of their DCA and associated Carers Support Grant payment, as the above payment was paid with their DA payment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
