Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2504. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a carer's allowance in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33481/18]
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.
Full-time care and attention is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 5 October 2016.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information and evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding the claim and attends at such office or place as an officer may direct.
The deciding officer examined the evidence submitted in support of this application. On 21 November 2017 he requested further information in relation to the means of the person concerned.
The deciding officer decided that the evidence submitted with the application did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied and he could not establish the means of the person concerned based on the information provided.
The person concerned was notified on 22 December 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
On 29 December 2016, documents were supplied which initiated a review of this decision, the outcome of which was that the original decision was confirmed.
On 28 February 2017 further documents were supplied and another review sought, the outcome of this review was that the evidence supplied does not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified of the outcome of this review on 3 April 2017 and of his right of appeal.
My Department informs me that to date they have not received any notification that the person concerned wishes to appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and that there is no fresh application for CA.
If the person concerned wishes to make an application, he should complete and return the application form (CR1) that I have arranged to issue to them.
Only on receipt of a fully completed application form can his entitlement to carer’s allowance be determined.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
