I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interests of fairness and equity, carer's allowance applications are dealt with as far as possible in order of their date of receipt in the department. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of the case a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, if the person's means are insufficient to meet their needs they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from their local community welfare officer.