Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1050. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38910/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1050)
Written answers
Carer's Allowance 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.
It is a condition for receipt of Carer's Allowance that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information, and evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding their claim including that requested by a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI).
An application was received from the person concerned on 3 February 2023. The application was referred to a local SWI on 8 February 2023 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means, confirm the number of hours worked per week and that all of the conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are satisfied.
On receipt of the SWI report, the Deciding Officer was unable to determine if these conditions were satisfied, as the person concerned had failed to provide all of the information requested by the SWI, and they did not qualify for Carer’s Allowance. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 4 May 2023 and of their right to request a review and/or an appeal.
On receipt of correspondence, a review initiated on 22 June 2023.
This application was reassigned to the SWI on 22 June 2023 to determine whether all conditions were satisfied. Further information was received on 4 September which is currently being assessed.
Once the Social Welfare Inspector has reported, a decision will be made, and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.