Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
984. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection to examine a case where an applicant (details supplied) is only slightly over the means test threshold; if this application can be re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37387/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance 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.
One of the qualifying conditions of the scheme is that the means of the person concerned must be less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant and includes property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide the person with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
My Department received an application for Carer's Allowance from the person concerned on 3 May 2023.
Following investigation, it was determined that the means of the person concerned were assessed at €414.53 per week and were not less than the statutory limit of €307.60 per week and that they were therefore not entitled to a Carer's Allowance payment.
The person concerned was notified on 10 July 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested on 27 July 2023 and, following this review, the Deciding Officer decided that the means still exceeded the statutory limit and that consequently there would be no change to the original decision.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 2 August 2023 and of their right to appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
