Michael Healy-Rae
Question:982. 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. [37326/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (982)
Written answers
Carer's benefit is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. Carer’s Benefit is payable to a carer in respect of a care recipient for up to a maximum of 104 weeks.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
An application for Carer’s Benefit was received from the person concerned on 16 February 2022 in respect of their daughter. The claim was disallowed as the person concerned failed to supply information requested on 8 March 2022 and a decision letter regarding this disallowance issued on 8 April 2022.
A review request with supplementary information was received on 30 May 2022. Following this review, the claim was awarded for the period 6 January 2022 to 2 March 2022 and a decision letter issued on 30 May 2022 advising of the requirement for up to date medical information if seeking an extension.
Additional medical evidence was received on 23 June 2022 to apply to extend the period of benefit. The extension application was awarded for a further six months based on the medical review date. A decision letter issued on 1 July 2022 advising of the requirement for up to date medical evidence and employer confirmation of new leave dates if seeking a further extension.
The person concerned made a further application with current medical information on 20 January 2023 to apply to extend the period of benefit. The extension application was disallowed as the care recipient was deemed not to require full time care and attention based on this current medical information. A decision letter issued to the person concerned on 17 February 2023 to this effect.
A review request was received on 23 March 2023 with employment information. Following this review, the decision remained unchanged as no further medical information was received. A decision letter issued to this effect on 28 March 2023.
A request to appeal this decision was submitted to the Appeals office and notified to this Department on 21 June 2023. All information pertaining to the claim is presently with the Appeals Office and is currently awaiting a decision.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.