I propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 149 and 152 to 156, inclusive, together.
The Department provides a range of payments for carers and working families.
Please find details below, broken down by year and scheme as requested.
Scheme Details
|
Year
|
Claims in payment
|
New Claims Received
|
New Claims Disallowed
|
Working Family Payment
|
2022
|
47,244
|
34,372
|
12,849
|
Working Family Payment
|
2023*
|
46,302
|
14,662
|
8,664
|
Adoptive Benefit
|
2022
|
43
|
44
|
9
|
Adoptive Benefit
|
2023*
|
14
|
16
|
3
|
Parents Benefit**
|
2022
|
74,017
|
77,015
|
1,120
|
Parents Benefit**
|
2023*
|
41,872
|
42,036
|
411
|
Carers Allowance
|
2022
|
92,268
|
22,781
|
10,115
|
Carers Allowance
|
2023*
|
93,766
|
11,553
|
5,816
|
Half Rate Carers Allowance
|
2022
|
42,422
|
8,196
|
3,096
|
Half Rate Carers Allowance
|
2023*
|
43,391
|
4,199
|
1,696
|
Disability Allowance
|
2022
|
156,366
|
26,021
|
15,663
|
Disability Allowance
|
2023*
|
159,194
|
14,086
|
9,048
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance
|
2022
|
50,126
|
10,524
|
3,948
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance
|
2023*
|
51,978
|
6,218
|
2,145
|
* Figures supplied for 2023 as at 30 June 2023
** In relation to Parents Benefit, it should be noted that parents can make more than one claim and can submit up to 7 separate applications for Parent’s Leave and Benefit during their child’s first two years of life. While a claim for leave may be awarded in one month, the leave and benefit could be availed of at a different time, or over a period of months, as it is available to use one week at a time. Figures provided are in relation to claims.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.