Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
305. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made for a carer’s benefit review (details supplied); the current processing times for such reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions; employment conditions; show that they are providing full-time care and attention; and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 15 September 2023.
The person concerned was awarded Carer’s Benefit from 26 October 2023 to 22 October 2025 based on the Carer’s Leave information supplied by the employer on Part 4 of the application form. A decision letter issued to this effect on 5 October 2023.
A request to review and backdate the award date was received on 26 October 2023 along with an updated Part 4 from the employer to support the request. However, further information to support the review has been requested from the customer. Once this is received, the review will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In general, Carer's Benefit review decisions issue within 4 weeks. Where a review is not processed within that timeframe, the delay is generally due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support their application and the length of time it takes for that information to be provided.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
