Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

705. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for carer's or part carer's allowance in respect of their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39498/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care. If a person is in receipt of another social welfare payment in their own right (other than unemployment payments or supplementary welfare allowance) or being claimed as a qualified adult on their spouse/partner's payment, a half-rate carer's allowance can be paid too as long as all the normal conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied.

These conditions require that the applicant is habitually resident in the State, must be providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require full-time care and attention and their means must be below the statutory limit.

The person concerned is in a receipt of a widow’s contributory pension. If she satisfies the qualifying conditions, CA would be paid at half-rate.

Accordingly, an application form (CR1) has been issued, which the person concerned should complete and return as soon as possible, in order that their entitlement to CA may be determined.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.