Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
366. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection if provision will be made to assess a family (details supplied) for carers allowance before their twin children return from hospital where their parents have been accompanying them since the birth of their children at great financial cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7553/24]
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.
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires on-going care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.
DCA must be in payment in order for a care provider to be eligible for CA in respect of a care recipient under 16.
An application for CA has not been received from the persons concerned to date. In this regard, applications forms were issued to the persons concerned on 16th February 2024. The application forms should be completed and returned in the envelope provided. Once the completed forms have been returned, they will be processed and an Officer of the Department will be in direct contact with the applicants.
The persons concerned have also been provided with information regarding the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme administered by the Community Welfare Service. This scheme provides a number of supports and services to help support people facing financial hardship owing to ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a persons own resources.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
