Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
661. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on an application by a person (details supplied) for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44344/24]
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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 1 August 2024.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information, and evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding their claim.
Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 13 August 2024. The person concerned failed to provide all the information that was required to determine their means did not exceed the statutory limit allowed for receipt of CA.
The application was also referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor.
The claim was disallowed on two conditions. The DO, having regard to the opinion of the Medical Assessor, decided that the information supplied did not show that the care recipient required full time care and the person concerned failed to supply all of the requested information.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 11 September 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The person concerned requested a review of the decision on 3 October 2024.
The DO reviewed all the evidence of the case and found that, although a certain level of care was provided, the evidence submitted did not satisfy the full-time care and attention requirement as defined in the legislation for the care recipient. The person concerned also failed to provide all of the necessary information requested. Therefore, the application for CA was disallowed and the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 24 October 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
