Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2682. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the spouses of prison officers in receipt of carer's allowance have been targeted for on-the-spot inspections at their family homes by inspectors from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31823/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested payment, made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that they require that level of care. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
Before a decision can be made on entitlement to CA, evidence must be provided in respect of the carer’s habitual residence in the State, the level of care they provide, their means and also that the person being cared for has such a disability that they require full-time care and attention.
The Department periodically reviews claims in payment to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
Social Welfare legislation obliges every claimant or beneficiary to notify the Department of any change in circumstances which may affect their entitlement to that benefit / assistance. The Department informs claimants of this requirement when a payment is awarded.
Carer's allowance reviews take place in a number of circumstances as follows:
- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option of a review.
- Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodically reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
