Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
281. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to carry out an urgent review in respect of means in relation to a carer's allowance application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53751/26]
View answerCarer's allowance 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 adult who, due to the nature of their disability, requires that level of care.
An application for Carer's Allowance was received from the person concerned on 19 February 2026.
As a condition of entitlement to Carer's Allowance, claimants are required to provide such certificates, documents, information and evidence as may be necessary to determine their entitlement. As the person concerned did not provide all of the requested information, it was not possible to establish that they satisfied the qualifying conditions for the scheme.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 01 May 2026 and was advised of their right to request a review of the decision reviewed, where additional information was available, or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Following receipt of further information from the person concerned on 14 May 2026, the claim was reviewed. The review concluded that the claim remained disallowed as the means of the person concerned exceeded the statutory means limit for Carer’s Allowance. The person concerned was notified of this decision, together with their review and appeal rights, on 24 June 2026.
A further review was undertaken following receipt of additional correspondence on 30 June 2026. Having considered all of the information available, including the clarification in relation to their property, the Deciding Officer determined that the claim remained disallowed, as the means of the person concerned continued to exceed the statutory means limit.
The person concerned was assessed with weekly means of €288.99 from 2 July 2026, which exceeds the applicable statutory means limit of €275.09.
The person concerned was notified of this decision and of their right to seek a review or lodge an appeal on 10 July 2026.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
