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Carer's Allowance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (769)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

769. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of carer’s allowance reviews that have taken place in the past six months; the number of such decisions that were overturned on review; the number that were not overturned on review but subsequently overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15575/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Carer'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.

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 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. I am advised that numbers are not readily available with respect to the number of CA reviews of claims conducted at the request of customers or of the number of negative decisions overturned on review.

I can advise the Deputy that while the Department records the number of control reviews undertaken and the saving achieved, it does not keep a record of the number who receive increased or decreased payments or whose payment remain unchanged.

Carer's allowance appeals take place in the circumstances as follows:-

- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option of an appeal.

- If a revised decision is made on any existing claim in payment, the customer has an option of appeal.

As outlined above, a wide range of Appeals are carried out arising from customer requests. I am advised that numbers are not readily available with respect to CA claims which were not overturned on review but subsequently overturned on appeal.

However I can advise the Deputy that:

- 605 Appeals were allowed to the end of June 2020

- 57 Appeals were partially allowed to the end of June 2020

- 1,006 Appeals were disallowed to the end of June 2020

In the same period, 1899 requests for Appeal were received.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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