Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which a payment appropriate to their circumstances by way of a basic payment or a carer’s allowance is being put in place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49669/18]
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 of 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 a deciding officer determined that the means of the person concerned exceeded the statutory limit for CA.
The person concerned was notified on 15 June 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned has appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
The first step in the appeals process is a review of the original decision by a Deciding Officer. That review is currently underway.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet their needs, they should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from their local community welfare service.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
