Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
976. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the means test as it applies to carer’s allowance applications currently; and the details of the means test assessed against an approved applicant (details supplied). [19344/22]
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.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant and includes earnings, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country. Means tested payments are subject to periodic means reviews.
The person concerned was assessed with means of €134.94 per week, following a recent review of their entitlement, which is derived from her spouse’s employment income and income from farming. The rate of payment for the person concerned is €96.50 effective from 7 April 2022. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 23 March 2022, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
As part of Budget 2022, improvements were introduced to the income and capital limits for the CA means assessment, effective from June 2022. These measures, which will take effect from June 2022, include an increase in the income disregard from €332.50 to €350 for a single person and from €665 to €750 for a couple. In addition, the amount of capital disregarded in the means test will be increased from €20,000 to €50,000.
The person concerned will be entitled to an increase in their rate of payment, arising from the budget changes, and this will be automatically paid with effect from 2nd June 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
