Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
351. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection for a review of a carer's allowance case (details supplied) in light of the recent changing financial situation for the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53271/23]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 26 August 2022.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit, which in this case is €267.60 weekly.
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 evidence before the deciding officer included income from employment and capital from property. Following the means calculations and relevant disregards the person concerned was found to have means in excess of the statutory means limit of €267.60.
The application for CA was accordingly disallowed as the means of the person concerned were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person was notified on 21 November 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
The person requested an appeal and review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of their application.
The outcome of the review was that the original decision was upheld. The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 24 March 2023, and advised their file had been sent forward for appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The outcome of the appeal is that the original decision was upheld, and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified of the Appeal decision in writing on 8 June 2023.
On foot of this parliamentary question, a further review has been initiated. If the person concerned has further evidence to support their request for a review, they should submit this evidence to the Department.
Once a decision is made, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
