Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
154. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a carer's allowance review for a person (details supplied) submitted to her Department in November 2022 was sent to the social welfare appeals office; the reason that supporting documentation supplied was requested again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4885/23]
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.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the carer must be providing full time care and attention, and the time spent providing care each week must not be less than 35 hours per week over 5 to 7 days.
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.
On 9th December 2022, the Social Welfare Appeals Office requested a submission from the Department in relation to an appeal received from the person concerned.
In order to prepare this submission, a request for further information was issued to the person concerned on 17th January 2023 to clarify conflicting evidence regarding the number of hours being worked and the salary being received. I can advise the Deputy that this was clarified following the receipt of new information regarding working hours and following a new means assessment.
The Department's submission was sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 19th January 2023. When a decision on the appeal has been made, the client will be notified directly by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
