Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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246. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for a Carer's Allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if she is aware of the economic hardship being caused by the delay in processing applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20719/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 20th April 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible and that backlogs in claims are kept to a minimum. Customers can assist the department in this regard by ensuring that claim forms are fully completed and that all necessary supporting documentation is submitted. If the means of the person in question are insufficient to meet his needs he should apply for a means tested supplementary welfare allowance from his local community welfare service pending the outcome of his carer’s allowance application.