Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
425. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person on carer's benefit must resubmit a medical report if the person they are caring for turns 16 and qualifies for disability allowance when domiciliary care allowance ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41357/26]
View answerCarer's Benefit is a payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care. It is payable for a period of 2 years (104 weeks) for each care recipient and may be claimed over separate periods up to a total of 2 years (104 weeks).
Legislation for Carer's Benefit requires that a person being cared for shall be regarded as requiring full-time care and attention where the person has such a disability that s/he requires from another person:
a) continual supervision and frequent assistance in connection with normal bodily functions, or
b) continual supervision in order to avoid danger to himself/herself.
All applicants are required to submit a completed medical report for Carer’s Benefit which is then examined to determine whether the care recipient requires full time care and attention. A medical report is not required to be submitted as part of an application process for Carer's Benefit if Domiciliary Care Allowance is awarded for the care recipient at the time of application.
Legislation provides that, for Disability Allowance, the medical condition must be such that the person is substantially restricted from undertaking work appropriate to their age, experience and qualifications, with the assessment focusing on the individual’s capacity for employment. This differs from Carer’s Benefit where the medical evidence does not assess the applicant’s ability to work, but instead focuses on the care needs of the person being cared for, specifically whether they require full-time care and attention due to the extent of their illness or disability.
If there is a specific case that the Deputy would like examined, the Department would be glad to assist.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
