Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
823. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will suspend the current round of reviews of carer's allowance until after all the impacts of Covid-19 have been fully considered or for at least a year in view of the additional emotional and financial stress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11954/20]
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.
CA 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 periodic reviews as part of its control strategy to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement.
As outlined above, a wide range of reviews are carried out arising from customer requests, together with reviews undertaken by the Department. At present, the Department is prioritising reviews where a customer has notified us of a change in circumstances and may have an entitlement to an increase in rate, or where the revised decision will provide for award of payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
