Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
856. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of domiciliary care allowance who are not in receipt of carers allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13818/23]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent/ guardian in respect of a child aged under 16, who has a severe disability or condition and requires ongoing additional care and attention substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age and the child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for a at least 12 months.
DCA is not means or income tested and is payable at a standard rate of €330.00 per month in respect of each qualified child. DCA recipients are not subject to employment or self-employment restrictions.
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means tested weekly payment for carers who are providing full time care and attention, to person(s) who require support and assistance because of age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness. In cases where the person receiving the care is a child aged under 16, DCA must be payable in respect of the child. CA recipient(s) must not be engaged in employment or self-employment for more than 18.5 hours per week.
There are in excess of 50,500 persons in receipt of a DCA payment, over half of whom (approx. 26,000) are not in receipt of a CA payment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
