Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022
161. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider a claim for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the clear evidence that the number of hours worked is beneath the 18.5 hour threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10242/22]
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 application for CA was received from the person concerned on 1 November 2021. A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
Additional information was requested on 4 November 2021 by a Deciding Officer (DO) regarding financial information and a reply was received on 10 November 2021.
A further information request regarding his rate of pay and hours of employment issued to the person concerned on 11 November 2021 and responses were received on 16 November 2021 and 26 November 2021.
The application was also referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 11 November 2021 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA were satisfied.
Upon receipt of the requested information, the SWI report received on 27 January 2022 and the information available to the DO, the application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was working for more than 18.5 hour per week.
The person concerned was notified on 16 February 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
A review was requested on 7 February 2022. Following this review CA was awarded to the person concerned from 20 January 2022.
The first payment issued to his nominated bank account on 17 February 2022. Arrears due from 21 January 2022 to 16 February 2022 issued on 16 February 2022.
The person concerned was notified on 16 February 2022 of this outcome and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
