Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
367. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for the carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) was rejected despite them providing full-time care to two older neighbours [53725/23]
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.
Two applications for CA were received from the person concerned on 19 May 2023.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person concerned must be providing full-time care and attention. The legislation provides that a carer is regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person where the number of hours of care provision is not less than 35 hours in a period of 7 consecutive days, and care is provided on any 5 days, whether consecutive or not, within a period of 7 consecutive days.
The Deciding Officer decided that this condition has not been satisfied in either application. Although the person concerned is providing a certain amount of care, the level provided is not considered to be full-time.
The person concerned was notified on 13 July 2023 of these decisions, the reason for them and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of these decisions and submitted additional evidence in support of their applications. Following this review, the decisions remained unchanged.
The person concerned was notified on 27 November 2023 of these decisions, the reason for them and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
