Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of her four-year-old child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6026/24]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability that requires continual or continuous care and attention that is substantially over and above the level of care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.
Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age without their disability.
All applications for DCA are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, in respect of the relevant child, based on the personal details provided in the application form (Dom Care 1), including any additional information or supporting documentary evidence if provided by the applicant. The deciding officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in the decision process in all cases.
In addition to the above medical criteria, the following conditions must be satisfied to qualify for the allowance:
• The child must live at home with the applicant for 5 or more days per week. However, where the child is in residential care but is at home for 2 or more days per week, half-rate DCA may be paid. Children who are receiving care on a full-time basis in residential homes or other institutions are not eligible for DCA.
• The person who is claiming the allowance must provide for the care of the child.
The applicant and the child must be ordinarily resident in the state (Republic of Ireland) and satisfy the habitual residency condition.
DCA is not means-tested and does not require PRSI contributions.
According to my Department's records, an application for DCA has not been received from the person concerned to date.
My Department has issued a DCA application form (Dom Care1) by post to the person concerned.
DCA application forms are also available to download online at gov.ie-Domiciliary Care Allowance Application Form (Dom Care1) (www.gov.ie) or can be requested at any Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizen's Information Centre.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
