Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1088. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if a period of grace can be applied to the disability allowance for a parent in receipt of the allowance when the child passes away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66 and resident in the state.
If a Disability Allowance customer dies and there is an increase for an adult dependant in payment the payment continues for six weeks. If a Disability Allowance customer dies and there is no increase for an adult dependant, entitlement to payment ceases upon the death of the customer. However, if another person is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance in respect of that person, the Carer’s Allowance payment will continue for a period of 12 weeks.
Where Disability Allowance is paid to a collection agent, my Department may not be aware of the relationship between the agent and the Disability Allowance customer. In many cases agents may be a spouse, adult child, or a non-relative such as a carer, neighbour, or a manager of a residential care setting.
My Department recognises the need for a transition period during which people can grieve and plan for a life following the death of a family member.
Payment of Carer's Allowance continues to be made for a further 12 weeks after the death of the person being cared for. In circumstances where a person is in receipt of another social welfare payment together with a half-rate Carer’s Allowance then the half-rate Carer’s Allowance will also continue for 12 weeks.
The Carer’s Support Grant, which is paid on the first Thursday in June will automatically be paid where Carer’s Allowance is paid on that date. This will also include instances where the person being cared for has passed away before that date.
There are financial supports available from the Department of Social Protection, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. This includes financial assistance with funeral expenses. These payments are administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Department and are payable at the discretion of the Community Welfare officer taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
