Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1441. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter in relation to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15813/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's benefit (CARB) is a pay related social insurance (PRSI) based payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care. It is payable for a maximum of 104 weeks for each person being cared for.
In order to qualify for CARB, certain PRSI contributions must be met.
The carer must have 156 paid contributions since their entry into insurable employment and one of the following:
39 paid contributions in the second last complete contribution year before the beginning of the benefit year in which the claim is due to start
Or
39 paid contributions in the 12 months before carers benefit is due to start
Or
26 paid contributions in each of the second last and third last complete contribution years before the beginning of the benefit year in which the claim is due to start
Credited or voluntary contributions cannot be used to satisfy this condition.
The paid PRSI contributions must belong to the following PRSI classes: A, B, C, D, H and E.
The Department has not yet received an application for CARB from the person concerned. However as she only has 151 paid contributions, she would not qualify. Credited or voluntary contributions cannot be used to satisfy this condition.
The person concerned has applied for carer's allowance. This is a means-tested payment, made to a person providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that they require that level of care. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 12 March 2018. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
