Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:469. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address a matter (details supplied) regarding carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37876/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 July 2021
Ceisteanna (469)
Freagraí scríofa
Carer'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. The full-time care and attention requirement and the 18.5 hour limitation on employment are contained in the legislative provisions of the CA scheme.
Any Carer engaged in employment (training and education) must show that the person they are caring for has adequate care while they are working. Where a carer has commenced employment or increased the hours they are working, the onus is on them to notify the Department of the change in their circumstances.
Currently a weekly disregard of €332.50 for a single/legally separated person and €665 for a carer who is married, in a civil partnership or co-habiting is available to carers. This disregard applies to any means that a carer may have i.e. earnings, savings, property, etc. Any change to disregards can only be considered in a budgetary context.
In the individual case, the person concerned has been in receipt of CA in respect of her care recipient and since 17 January 2019. Her income was below the disregard and therefore no means were assessed. when the CA claim was awarded. She contacted the Department on 1 October 2020 to notify that she had commenced employment and a review of her claim was initiated. The outcome of this review was that her entitlement to CA remains unchanged and she has been notified in writing of this decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.