Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
771. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in a review in the case of a person (details supplied); the extent to which they can qualify for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14414/24]
View answerCarer'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.
I confirm that an application for CA was received from the person concerned on 27 November 2023.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or 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.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was engaged in employment for more than 18.5 hours per week and their means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 19 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested, and the outcome of the review was that the means of the person concerned are now within the statutory limit. However, the person concerned remains engaged in employment over the maximum allowable hours of 18.5 hours. As this condition is not satisfied, the review was disallowed.
The person concerned was notified on 25 March 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
