Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
200. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance can be offered to expedite a carer’s allowance review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22985/20]
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.
My department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 15 June2020.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the carer is not engaged in employment or self-employment outside their home.
However, where a carer can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate provision has been made for the care of the care recipient in their absence, a carer may engage in employment, self-employment, education or training courses as long as the duration of these combined activities do not exceed 18.5 hours per week.
It has been decided that this condition has not been satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 13 July 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested on behalf of the person concerned on 21 July 2020. However no additional evidence in support of her application was submitted at this time.
A request for additional information issued on 04 September 2020 to the person concerned in respect of the number of hours they are currently working.
Once the required information has been received and a decision made, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
