Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a respite carer’s grant will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30466/23]
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.
An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people. CA is payable for up to two care recipients at a time. The Carers Support Grant (CSG) is payable for each person being cared for.
I can confirm the person concerned is in receipt of CA for their son since 4 December 2014 and they received the 2023 CSG of €1,850 in respect of him on 17 June 2023.
Two new applications for CA were received from the person concerned in relation to their mother on 31 March 2023 and their aunt on 3 April 2023.
The evidence submitted in support of both applications was examined and the deciding officer decided that, although a certain level of care was being provided, the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 8 May 2023 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested both a review and appeal of these decisions and submitted additional evidence in support of their applications.
As part of the reviews, the applications were referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.
Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made, and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In cases where an applicant does not have an entitlement to CA, the carer may apply for the CSG as a standalone payment. The CSG is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the same caring conditions as CA.
Application forms for CSG can be found at any Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens' Information Office or can be downloaded from gov.ie at www.gov.ie/en/form/c79632-carers-support-grant-csg1/.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
