Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Social Welfare Benefits Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019

Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Ceisteanna (624)

John Brady

Ceist:

624. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the frequency of reviews carried out for carer's allowance and carer's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43291/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.

Carer's benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based payment, made to a person 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.  

Before a decision can be made on entitlement to CA or CARB, evidence must be provided in respect of a number of criteria including, 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.

Carer's reviews take place in a number of circumstance as follows:-

- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option to request a review or an appeal of this decision.  

- Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement. 

- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement

I am advised that there are no statistics collated on the totality of carer's allowance reviews carried out each year.  

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Barr
Roinn