Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
376. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 627 of 16 April 2013, the maximum time an applicant is awaiting processing for carers allowance and carers benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18753/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe backlog of carer’s allowance applications has been cleared and we are currently in the process of finalising cases that still need additional information. In respect of carer’s allowance, the earliest application which is awaiting deciding officer action was received on 23 January 2013. That application has been medically assessed. For carer’s benefit, the earliest claim awaiting action by a deciding officer was received on 3 April 2013. It should be noted that the processing time for individual claims can vary depending on the complexity of the claimant’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their application. In many cases, further information is required in order to make a decision, for example, a medical assessment, information from the claimant or applicant themselves or a report from a social welfare inspector.
