Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
398. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if, when a person withdraws an appeal against the refusal to award DCA and re-submits their application again, and this is awarded, if any backdating will be to the date of the first submission or the second; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66840/25]
View answerWhen a DCA claim is awarded, it is paid from the month following the date of receipt of the most recent application, and the decision is based on the care requirements of the child at that date of application. However, under Social Welfare legislation, a case can be made to have the payment backdated up to a maximum of 6 months.
It is open to applicants who have withdrawn an appeal of an earlier application for DCA to request a review by a Deciding Officer with any extra evidence they think is relevant to the care needs of the child from the earlier date.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
