Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
288. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carer’s allowance reviews that have been commenced in 2022; the number completed and the number in cases in which claimants have seen their payment reduced; the planned further review of the carer’s allowance in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25457/22]
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.
Carer's allowance reviews take place in a number of circumstances as follows:-
- If the decision on a new claim is negative the customer has the option of a review.
- Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews as part of its control strategy to ensure that there is continued entitlement.
- A customer can at any stage request a review of their entitlement.
As part of Budget 2022, improvements were introduced to the income and capital limits for the CA means assessment. 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.
In advance of June 2022, it was necessary to obtain up to date income and capital information, where this was not available to the Department, and to review existing CA entitlement to ensure that the Budget 2022 changes are applied correctly. Of almost 91,000 customers currently in receipt of CA, 8,030 are in receipt of a reduced rate of payment. A review was undertaken of 3,604 of these customers, whose information was greater than 3 years old. The majority of these customers have returned the information required and the reviews will be completed by end May 2022, thereby ensuring increases due will be paid appropriately.
I am advised that a total of 3,071 CA reviews were completed to the end of April 2022, which includes control reviews and those associated with budget changes. I understand that numbers are not readily available with respect to reviews conducted at the request of customers. Information is not collated on the number of reviews which result in an increase, or reduction or where no change is made to the rate of payment.
My officials will continue to undertake CA reviews, in line with the Department's Control strategy. It is intended to undertake 5,500 CA reviews during 2022, excluding those requested by customers.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy
