Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
620. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports in place for those with special needs who have the domiciliary care allowance cut when they turn 16 and are refused disability allowance; the supports available to assist with the costs associated with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50736/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a payment in respect of children, up to the age of 16, who require care and attention substantially in excess of that required by other children their age.
Disability Allowance (DA) is a payment for people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a number of conditions including, a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residence requirement.
If a person feels their DA application was rejected based, for example, on information about their circumstances which is incorrect or out of date, the person may submit the up to date information to Disability Allowance Section for a revised decision. Contact and other details relating to Disability Allowance are available at www.gov.ie/DA.
The person also has a right to appeal the decision directly to the Chief of Appeals Officer. Contact and other details relating to the appeals process are available at www.gov.ie/socialwelfareappealsoffice.
The Department also provides the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme for those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. This scheme includes, Exceptional Needs Payments, Urgent Needs Payments and SWA Supplements (heat, travel and dietary supplements). These means tested payments may be made to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. Details and eligibility criteria of the scheme are available at www.gov.ie/SWA.
The Department continues to keep its range of supports available under review, while any proposed change(s) need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
