Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if eligibility for a carer’s allowance will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40542/18]
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.
One of the qualifying conditions requires that the care recipient needs full-time care and attention.
This 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 12 months.
The person concerned applied for CA in respect of care provided to her mother on 15 December 2016.
On 29 March 2017 she was notified that she was not entitled to CA in respect of her mother as the evidence submitted did not indicate a need for full-time care and attention and she was notified of her right of review and appeal.
My Department were notified on 13 June 2017 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision was forwarded to the SWAO on 12 July 2017.
On 28 March 2018 the SWAO notified the person concerned that her appeal, against the CA decision in respect of her mother, was disallowed.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of relevant additional evidence or new facts.
However, if her mother's condition has deteriorated, it is open to the person concerned to re-apply.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
