Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the family of the person concerned on their recent bereavement.
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.
In order to qualify, applicants must show that they are habitually resident in the State, that their means are less than the statutory limit, that they are providing full-time care and attention and that the person being cared for requires that level of care.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The person being cared for must have such a disability that as a result they require full-time care and attention. This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision, and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months. In addition, the carer must be providing this level of care and may not be not engaged in employment or education for a combined total of more than 18.5 hours each week.
Alternatively an applicant may have an entitlement to Carer's Benefit (CARB). CARB is a PRSI based payment made to a person who leaves the workforce to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. In order to qualify, the applicant must have paid a certain number of PRSI contributions. Only contributions at Class A, B, C, D, H and E can be counted towards Carer's Benefit.
Applications forms for CA and CARB can be found at any Intreo or Citizens' Information Office Nationwide or can be downloaded from the Department's website www.welfare.ie.
For information in relation to incontinence care and the provision of incontinence products, please see the HSE website www.hse.ie.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
