Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
397. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify if a person (details supplied) over 65 and on over-65 jobseeker’s benefit, not having to actively seek employment and at home on a full-time basis, would be entitled to carer’s support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21225/24]
View answerThe Carers Support Grant is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain qualifying conditions.
The person claiming the Grant must:
• Be aged 16 or over and ordinarily resident in this State
• Care for the person on a full-time basis
• Care for the person for a continuous period of at least six months – this period must include the first Thursday in June
• Live with the person being looked after, or this person can be contacted quickly by a direct system of communication (i.e., a telephone or alarm)
• Not be employed / self-employed for more than 18.5 hours per week
• Not be in receipt of, or entitled to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit or be signing for credited contributions
Additionally, the person being cared for must:
• Be so incapacitated as to need full-time care and attention
• Not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home, or another similar institution
• Not receive full-time care and attention within their own home from another person other than the person claiming the Grant
The primary purpose of carers payments is to support carers whose earning capacity is significantly reduced as a consequence of their caring commitments. The payments are premised on the provision of full-time care and attention (with the provision of allowing carers to engage in training, education or work for up to 18.5 hours per week) and, in so doing, to support the ongoing care of the person in respect of whom care is being provided. Recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit are not eligible for carers payments.
The Benefit Payment for 65 year-olds was introduced to provide an income support to people who are 65, who were in employment and who are required to, or who choose to, retire at age 65, but who do not qualify for the State Pension until they reach age 66. This scheme was introduced to address a specific concern raised on behalf of people in this very defined circumstance.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for the 2023 CSG from the person concerned on 19 June 2023.
The person concerned was notified of the decision to disallow the claim on 12 July 2023 and informed of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of the decision.
On 16 April 2024, the Social Welfare Appeals Office notified the person concerned that their appeal was disallowed. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in light of relevant additional evidence or new facts.
An application form (CSG1) has been posted to the person concerned should they wish to be considered for the 2024 CSG.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
