Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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270. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing a carer's benefit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35742/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Carer's benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care. It is payable for a maximum of 104 weeks for each person being cared for.

CARB was awarded to the person concerned for 85 weeks from 18 July 2013 to 4 March 2015.

She re-applied for the balance of 19 weeks and was awarded on 10 November 2016 with effect from 4 August 2016. Payment will continue until 14 December 2016 when her benefit will be exhausted as she will have claimed the maximum entitlement of 104 weeks.

My department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 18 October 2016. The application is currently being processed and should be completed before her CARB ceases. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.