Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 201: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason the standard application form for carer's allowance does not allow for deductions such as mortgage payments, tax, PRSI and other compulsory deductions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16560/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Carer's allowance is a means tested social assistance scheme operated by my Department. For means test purposes, account is taken of the income and assets of both the claimant and his or her spouse/partner.

Where a spouse/partner has earnings from employment, earnings less PRSI contributions, pension contributions and trade union subscriptions are assessed as means.

The applicant is not required to identify these deductions on the application form as they are available from supporting documentation such as pay-slips.

Mortgage payments and income tax are not deducted from earnings for means assessment purposes.

There are no plans to alter these arrangements.