Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:741. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48094/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 November 2023
Ceisteanna (741)
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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 14 June 2023.
CA was awarded to the person concerned on 24 August 2023, with effect from 24 August 2023 and the first payment issued to their nominated bank account on the same date.
The person concerned was also awarded an increase for 1 qualified child from 24 August 2023.
The person concerned was notified on 8 August 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
In relation to the overpayment refund, a Payment Authorisation form was issued to the person concerned on 3 October 2023. I am informed that monies owed were refunded to the customer's account on 11 October 2023 and the €50 being deducted in respect of the child benefit has ceased. I am further informed that a weekly repayment deduction plan remains in place for a previous debt.
Please note that Fuel Allowance is not payable with CA. However, if another person in the home is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, they may apply for it. Only one Fuel Allowance may be claimed per household. For more information, please visit: www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/ or email NationalFuelscheme@welfare.ie
In relation to the fuel allowance payment for the time they were in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, a request for review of this was received on 18 September 2023. The customer was paid Jobseekers Allowance to 29 August 2023 and they applied for the fuel allowance on 24 May 2023 which is outside the fuel allowance season and was therefore not payable in this instance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.