Robert Troy
Ceist:69. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the carer's allowance scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [7627/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 April 2016
Ceisteanna (69)
Freagraí scríofa
I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 15 February 2016. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new application is running at 19 weeks. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.
Frequently, delays are outside the control of the Department and are caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.
This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs he should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from his local community welfare service.