Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018
241. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40499/18]
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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received applications for CA from the person concerned on 12 March 2018 in respect of two care recipients.
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 continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer or an appeals officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of one of the care recipients and it was also decided that the person concerned was working in excess of 15 hours per week.
The person concerned was notified on 19 June 2018 of this decision, the reasons for these decisions and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision on 2 July 2018.
The outcome of the review was that while the person concerned is no longer deemed to be working over 15 hours, the original decision in respect of one of the care recipients not requiring full time care and attention was confirmed.
The person concerned was notified on 19 September 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of appeal.
Carer's Allowance in respect of the other care recipient was awarded to the person concerned on 1 October 2018, and their first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 18 October 2018.
Arrears of allowance due from 14 March 2018 to 17 October 2018 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 1 October 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
