Seán Sherlock
Ceist:276. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will review a decision in respect of an application by a person (details supplied). [6062/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 February 2023
Ceisteanna (276)
Freagraí scríofa
Carer'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.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income. The means test for Carer's Allowance (CA) has been significantly eased over the years and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regards to a spouse’s earnings.
As part of budget 2022 the income and capital limits for the Carer's Allowance (CA) means assessment increased effectively from 02 June 2022. This includes an increase in the weekly income disregard from €665 to €750 for a couple. In addition, the amount of capital disregarded in the means test increased from €20,000 to €50,000.
In advance of the implementation of the above budget measures, the Department initiated a review of Carer's Allowance (CA) recipients who were in receipt of a reduced rate payment in order to determine how these measures might impact on their rate of payment. In many cases, recipients’ payments were increased as a result of the budget measures. But in other cases, recipients’ payments were reduced, not because of the budget measures but because of an increase in household income.
I can advise the Deputy that based on the information provided by the person concerned on 28 February 2022, correspondence issued to them on 16 May 2022 informing said person that their payment for Carer's Allowance (CA) was being re-considered. The information available to the Deciding Officer (DO) at that time was that the person concerned was assessed with means of €293.16 per week and this exceeded the statutory limit of €275.10 per week. The Deciding Officer also reviewed said person's entitlement based on the budget changes introduced from June 2022, and it was determined that the person concerned qualified for the weekly rate of €53.00 per week effective from 02 June 2022.
The person concerned was notified on 16 May 2022 of this decision, the reasons for it and of the right of review and appeal.
A further review of this decision was carried out on 2 February 2023 the outcome of which resulted in the decision remaining unchanged. I can advise the Deputy that if further updated information becomes available we will assess it accordingly.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.