Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
70. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the updated number of applicants for carer's allowance and carer's benefit; the average timeframe for processing new applications; and the arrangements that are being made to process these applications in a more timely manner. [14294/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of March 2014 there were approximately 4,200 carer’s allowance applications awaiting decision and approximately 345 carer’s benefit applications awaiting decision. The average time taken to award a new claim is currently 12 weeks for carer’s allowance, and 8 weeks for carer’s benefit. Where a request is made for a review of a decision on a new claim or where there is an appeal against a decision, this will take longer.
One way that claimants can assist the Department to made a timely decision on their claim is to ensure that the claim form is fully completed and signed and that all necessary accompanying documentation is enclosed.
The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible and that backlogs in claims are kept to a minimum. Each scheme area is continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure customers are responded to as quickly as possible. The staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. Additional resources have been applied to help to deal with the significant increase in the number of carer’s allowance applications being received and to minimise processing times.
