Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when domiciliary care allowance may be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) on behalf of their son who has been identified as suffering from a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51050/22]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable to a parent / guardian in respect of a child aged under 16, who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the level of care and attention normally required by a child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. Eligibility for DCA is determined primarily by reference to the degree of ongoing additional care and attention required by the child rather than the child's disability.
An application for DCA in respect of their child was received from the spouse of the person concerned on 30 June 2021. A deciding officer disallowed their claim as their child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for DCA. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 6 October 2021 and of their right of review and /or appeal.
To date the person concerned has not requested a review or appeal of the Department's decision.
While the statutory 21 day time-limit for submitting an appeal has expired, it is also open to the person concerned to seek a review of the above decision and this right is not time limited. If requesting a review of the deciding officer's decision, the person concerned may forward any further new information or documentary evidence that was not previously available with the initial DCA application for further consideration by a deciding officer.
Alternatively, the person concerned may re-apply for DCA in respect of their child and enclose any further relevant information or evidence that is available.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
