Michael Healy-Rae
Question:395. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a carers allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42145/23]
View answerTuesday, 3 October 2023
Questions (395)
Written answers
Carer'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.
A person can be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum 18.5 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The Department received two applications for CA from the person concerned on 27 February 2023.
Both applications for CA was disallowed on the grounds that the person concerned was engaged in employment for more than the maximum permitted number of hours per week.
The person concerned was notified on 25 April 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
On 12 May 2023, the person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of their application. Following examination of this, a request for additional information issued on 24 August 2023 regarding the person's schedule of hours and payslips.
On 4 September 2023, the Department received the schedule of hours and a letter from her employer. On 21 September 2023, a further request issued to person as, according to information received from Revenue, certain earnings appeared to be different to the evidence provided by the applicant.
On 27 September 2023, the application was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector to assess these discrepancies and to confirm whether the hours of employment are within the conditions for receipt of CA.
Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.