Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current position in relation to an application for carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17267/24]
View answerCarer'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.
I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 18 May 2023.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person concerned must be providing full-time care and attention and it is a further condition that the person being cared for must require full-time care and attention.
It is also a condition to provide such certificates, documents, information or evidence as may be required by an officer of the Minister in order to make a decision on an application.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the Deciding Officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that either of the above conditions were satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 14 June 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.
A request to appeal and review this decision was lodged with the Department on 23 June 2023.
The outcome of the review decision remained unchanged and the person concerned was notified of this decision and of the right of review/appeal on 25 October 2023.
The file was sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 03 November 2023. On 17 January 2024, Appeal No 23/14498 was disallowed by SWAO.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of relevant additional evidence or new facts. It will be at the discretion of the Appeals Officer to reopen the case.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office can be contacted by phoning 0818-747434 or 01-6732800 or by emailing swappeals@welfare.ie.
It is also open for the person concerned to make a new application for CA.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
