Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a basic social welfare payment or carer's payment will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33157/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the means of the person concerned must be less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
During the course of a review of entitlement, it was discovered that the person concerned had not fully disclosed her means to the Department. The evidence submitted in support of this review was examined and the deciding officer decided that the means of the person concerned exceeds the statutory limit for CA.
The person concerned was notified on 18 April 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
My Department was notified on 29 May 2018 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
If the circumstances of the person concerned have changed it is open to them to re-apply for CA on form CR1 which I have arranged to issue to them.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
