Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019
173. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) will be backdated to the original application which was submitted in March 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46934/19]
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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 23 April 2019.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 27 August 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and provided further supporting documentation.
As a result of the review the application was awarded to the person concerned on 30 October 2019 with effect from 5 November 2019. The first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 7 November 2019.
From 25 April 2019 to 06 November 2019 the person concerned was in receipt of a Job Seekers Benefit at a higher rate than the rate of CA due. Accordingly, there are no arrears due.
The person concerned was notified on 6 November 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
