Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
505. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which each sector within her Department can respond in terms of dealing with applications for various means tested payments with particular reference to the need to eliminate hardship caused by delays of such payments including carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51205/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of means-tested schemes and, as well as evidence of means, applicants are also required to provide evidence that they satisfy other relevant qualifying conditions for the scheme in question, for example; that they are genuinely seeking work, or that they satisfy the medical and/or the habitual residence conditions.
Long-term schemes with medical or care-related conditions are particularly complex and, consequently, applications can sometimes take some time to process. In respect to carer’s allowance, particular details are required in order to establish the care recipient’s care requirements, the level of care the carer is providing and the means of the applicant in order to establish entitlement.
A redesigned application form for carer’s allowance will be published in 2018; this new form will allow carers to provide more information on the type and level of care they provide, with an aim to providing departmental deciding officers with the information they need to make correct decisions on entitlement as quickly as possible. The changes to the form have been finalised following consultation with Family Carer’s Ireland and carer representatives.
My Department is committed to ensuring that applications are processed as soon as possible. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised. In addition, staffing needs are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
While a person is awaiting a decision on their application and where they are experiencing financial difficulties, they may make an application for a supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) payment from their local Intreo centre.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
