Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for the living alone increase was received from the person concerned on 21 February 2024.

The allowance was awarded with effect from 25 August 2023, which included 6 months backdating from the date of receipt of the application.

Following a review, the allowance was backdated to 30 November 2018. The person concerned has been notified in writing. The arrears due will issue without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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 including property (except their own home), or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income.

I confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of CA since 7 December 2017.

The person concerned notified this Department on 8 May 2023 regarding a change in their circumstances. Following receipt of this notification, a review of means for the person concerned commenced on 28 June 2023.

The outcome of the review determined that the means of the person concerned were assessed at €266.95 and the amount of CA payable was €47.00 from 16 November 2023. This payment increased to €65.00 on 4 January 2024 in line with Budget increases.

The person concerned was notified on 25 October 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and/or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

Following a request for review, the case was reconsidered, and the decision remained unchanged.

The person concerned was notified on 1 May 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of appeal to the SWAO.

From 6 June 2024, in line with Budget measures the CA weekly income disregard will increase from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for a couple. Payment on 6 June 2024 for the person concerned will be automatically adjusted to take account of the new income disregard.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Working Family Payment is a tax free in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low-earnings who have children. The payment is not linked to receipt of a social welfare payment, but rather, is based on overall household income.

Unlike other Social Welfare schemes, which are means-tested, the Working Family Payment is an income supplement and is an income-tested scheme. As a result, for example, capital assessments are not undertaken.

In order to qualify for the payment, the average total weekly household income must be below the applicable income threshold. For example, the weekly income threshold for households with one child is €645 and with two children it is €746. The income thresholds increase based on the number of children in the household. As this is a household income test, where a couple continue to reside together with their children, the income of both will form part of the assessment.

Overall household income includes all earnings from employment (including self-employment), social welfare payments, rental income, farm income and any other contributions to the household. A number of payments or income sources are however excluded in the calculation of income, these include for example Child Benefit, the Domiciliary Care Allowance and Guardian’s Payments.

The payment made is calculated at 60% of the difference between overall household income and the income threshold that applies based on the number of children.

In addition to general conditions, to be eligible for the payment an applicant:

- must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is part of a family wholly or mainly supported by them; and

- be in employment for at least 38 hours per fortnight - this requirement can be met by combining the applicant’s hours worked with those of a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant.

I trust this clarifies the position.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.

An application from the person concerned was received on 26 March 2024, a review has been completed and the claim has been awarded from 28 March 2024.

Arrears due to the person concerned from the 28 March 2024 have issued.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th of April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. The appeal contentions are also reviewed by the Department at this point. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.