Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
167. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the carers review requested by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11969/23]
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.
I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 2 September 2022.
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires on-going care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) must be in payment in order for a care provider to be eligible for CA in respect of a care recipient under 16 years of age. As DCA was not in payment in respect of the care recipient, a Deciding Officer decided that the person concerned was not entitled to CA.
The person concerned was notified on 28 September 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.
As DCA has now been awarded in respect of the care recipient, the person concerned requested a review of this decision on 5 December 2022. Following that request, a review of the application for CA commenced. A request for further information was issued to the person concerned on 20 December 2022. However, one of the items requested was omitted by the person concerned when making their submissions.
On 6 March 2023, correspondence requesting the above has re-issued and once the requested information has been received, the CA claim can be assessed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
