Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17514/20]
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.
An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people. CA is payable up to two care recipients at a time. The Carers Support Grant (CSG) is payable for each person being cared for.
I can confirm that my department received three applications for CA from the person concerned on 30 January 2020.
In the case of the first care recipient, the application was awarded to the person concerned on 19 March 2020 with effect from 30 January 2020. The first payment issued to his nominated post office on 26 March 2020. Arrears due from 30 January 2020 to 25 March 2020 issued also.
The evidence submitted in support of the second 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 as the care recipient was in hospital. The care recipient has since passed away.
CA cannot be awarded where the person being cared for is already in hospital or in another institution.
The evidence submitted in support of the third application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 19 March 2020 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned contacted the department on 15 July 2020 requesting a review of the decision relating to the third care recipient and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his application.
This review is currently being processed and, once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
