Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1072. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42303/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (1072)
Freagraí scríofa
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to people who have a disability such that they require that level of care and who satisfy a means test.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 1 September 2021.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was working for more than 18.5 hour per week.
The person concerned was notified on 28 September 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of their application. Following this, the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned submitted a reapplication on 20 June 2022.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 23 June 2022. Following receipt of this information, it was determined that the matter should be referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.
On foot of the SWI report, it was confirmed that a second employment held by the person concerned ceased on 1 October 2021. As a result, the deciding officer awarded CA to the person concerned on 1 September 2022, with effect from 7 October 2021.
The first payment will issue to their nominated post office on 8 September 2022.
Arrears for the period 7 October 2021 to 7 September 2022 will issue by cheque shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 1 September 2022 of this revised decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.