Mark Ward
Question:273. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide the qualifying criteria for an applicant for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11290/24]
View answerThursday, 7 March 2024
Questions (273)
Written answers
Domiciliary 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 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 a 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.
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 by the applicant in the application form (Dom Care 1), including the signed details from the applicant's GP/Specialist in this form, along with any other additional information and/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 reside 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
• DCA is also available for up to 26 weeks (6 months) in respect of a newborn child who remains in hospital after birth or is transferred to another hospital for the purpose of receiving medical or other treatment.
• 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 Residence Condition.
DCA is not means tested and is not subject to PRSI conditions.
Applicants are advised to provide as much detail as possible at application stage, including any additional information and/or documentary evidence that is relevant, medical or otherwise, to ensure all information is available for consideration in the decision and assessment process.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.