John Lyons
Ceist:126 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [21110/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 April 2012
Ceisteanna (126, 127, 128)
Freagraí scríofa
The application in respect of the person concerned is being examined to ascertain whether all eligibility conditions for the scheme are satisfied, including the requirement to be habitually resident in the State. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made, and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome. A decision in this case is expected shortly.
Martin Heydon
Ceist:127 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a rent allowance application which was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this decision will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21112/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
The person in question was refused rent supplement as these conditions were not satisfied.
However, where a claimant's safety and well-being are at risk, staff have been provided with special discretionary powers to deal with such situations. In light of the position now set out by the Deputy the person in question should contact the Department official dealing with her claim who will discuss the circumstances of her particular case and reconsider her entitlement.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when carer’s allowance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21125/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.