Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
403. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review for carer's allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) from County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32649/23]
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.
My Department periodically reviews CA payments to ensure that there is a continued entitlement and that a customer is in receipt of the correct rate of payment. To accurately assess the means of customers, it is necessary to obtain up to date income and capital information for the customer and their spouse/partner (if applicable).
Where applicable, CA Customers are required to complete and return a Means Assessment Review form and provide relevant information and documentation to support the information supplied on the form. This information will enable a review of the existing CA payment to ensure that the customer is in receipt of the correct rate of payment. Every effort is made to complete these reviews as quickly as possible.
Accordingly, a review of the payment to the person concerned was initiated on 21 February 2023 and information request letters issued on 21 April 2023 and 8 May 2023. I can confirm that some, but not all, of the information requested has been received to date.
Additional information was requested by a Deciding Officer on 26 June 2023 regarding a 2nd employment and outstanding bank details from the spouse of the person concerned. Once the information is received, the review will be completed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
