Where an application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is successful, DCA is awarded with effect from the first of the month following receipt of the application. However, DCA applications may be backdated in cases where good cause for the delay in making the claim can be shown to the satisfaction of a Deciding Officer or Appeals Officer. The maximum permitted period is governed by legislation and cannot exceed 6 months.
The onus is on applicants to apply for DCA when they consider that the relevant child may meet the qualifying conditions for the allowance. It is open to an applicant to subsequently request a review(s) of any decision and this right is not time limited. If requesting a review of a Deciding Officer's decision, an applicant may forward any further new or additional information and/or relevant documentary evidence such as a diagnostic assessment report(s) or otherwise, that was not previously available with the initial application, for further consideration in the decision and assessment process.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for DCA from the person concerned on 23 April 2024. Following a successful application, DCA was awarded with effect from 1 May 2024, (the month following receipt of application), as per decision dated 21 May 2024.
On foot of the request relating to awarding of the DCA to the applicant from an earlier date, a review of my Department's original decision of 21 May 2024 in relation to backdating was undertaken by a Deciding Officer.
Following a re-examination of their application in respect of the child concerned, based on all available information and documentary evidence, including the further additional information that was provided on behalf of the applicant and having considered the further information and contentions raised, a Deciding Officer decided that a revision of the award date was warranted. As per revised decision dated 19 September 2024, their entitlement has been backdated by 6 months effective to 1 November 2023.
The Deciding Officer allowed backdating of the payment (6 months maximum), as provided for under social welfare legislation, following consideration of the information that was submitted in respect of the good cause for not making the claim at an earlier date.
The person concerned was notified of the above further decision in writing on 19 September 2024.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
