Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an appeal against a decision to stop a carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11158/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that an application for carer's allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 11 March 2021. The person concerned sought a review of the decision on 25 March 2021 and was informed by the Department on 14 April 2021 that, on the basis of the review, the decision was not being revised.
In the normal course, an appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer if the particular circumstances underlying any delay merit such an exception being made. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, based on the circumstances of this case, an appeal is not being accepted at this late stage.
If the person's means are insufficient to meet their needs, it is open to them to apply for supplementary welfare allowance.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
