Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
407. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans, if any, that she has to review the onerous application process for parents applying for the domiciliary care allowance, particularly in terms of family impact statements and care diaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35809/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA ) is payable to a parent/guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 , who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of ongoing additional care and attention required by the child rather than the child's disability.
In general, social welfare schemes with complex qualifying conditions, such as DCA, tend to require extensive, detailed information and evidence to be provided in the application process, in order to make an appropriate decision on entitlement.
Applicants for DCA are required to complete an application form (Dom Care 1) , which details the child's disability and resultant medical and additional care needs. In addition to the completed form, the applicant may provide any additional information or documentary evidence that is relevant, such as medical professional report(s) or, for example, a copy of the needs assessment completed by the HSE. All details supplied by the applicant on the completed application form, including the signed details from the applicant's GP on this form, along with any other additional information and supporting evidence provided, forms the basis for the DCA application assessment and decision process.
The Department regularly reviews scheme application forms to ensure that the application forms are as user friendly as possible, while also taking account of the nature of the scheme and the qualifying criteria for the scheme.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
