Niamh Smyth
Ceist:649. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the carer’s allowance review of (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2344/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 February 2025
Ceisteanna (649)
Freagraí scríofa
Carer'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.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 07 October 2024.
The application was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector on 16 October 2024 to confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.
The claim was disallowed as the means of the person concerned exceeded the statutory means limit.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 06 December 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 (SWAO).
A review was initiated on foot of correspondence received on 31 December 2024. Following this review the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 30 January 2025. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the SWAO.
A request to appeal this decision was lodged with the Department and forwarded to the SWAO on 29 January 2025.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.