Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
110. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied) was refused; the reason this has taken nine months for the person to be notified of the refusal. [23155/24]
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.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse/civil partner/cohabitant including property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income. The means test for CA has been significantly eased in recent years.
The Department aims to process applications within the shortest possible timeframe but, depending on the complexity of the case, some applications may take longer.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 26 June 2023.
An information request issued to the person concerned on 29 June 2023. This information was returned on 20 July 2023. The application was subsequently referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector on 1 August 2023 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA were satisfied.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that the means of the person concerned were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 12 September 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
Notification was received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 24 October 2024 to confirm the person concerned requested an appeal of this decision. The file was sent to the SWAO on 17 November 2023.
Notification was received from the SWAO on 26 April 2024 to confirm that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
