Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
936. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting times to process applications for the respite care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31424/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carer’s Support Grant is paid by the Department, on the 1st Thursday in June each year, to persons in receipt Carers Allowance or Carers Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance. The annual grant is paid at the rate of €1,700 in respect of each person being cared for. Over 90% of all payments of the grant are made on this date.
A carer who is not in receipt of one of these payments can still qualify for the grant, once they make an application and satisfy certain conditions. As entitlement to the grant has to be established, the waiting time for decisions on such claims is currently eight weeks. Work is ongoing to reduce this processing time.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
