Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Social Protection

Carer's Allowance Applications

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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435. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22301/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 6 May 2016. Unfortunately, there are currently delays in the processing of new applications.Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.

Frequently, delays are outside the control of the Department and are caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.

This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, the person concerned is in receipt of a weekly social welfare support.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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436. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/16]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 28 October 2015.

The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on the grounds that, based upon the evidence available, her means exceed the statutory limit. The person concerned was notified on 18 March 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

A review of this decision was requested and following this review the deciding officer decided that there was no change to the original decision. The person concerned was notified of these details on 14 April 2016.

The person concerned has appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission will be prepared, as required by the SWAO, as soon as possible and the file will be sent to the SWAO for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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