Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a comprehensive review of a carer's allowance which was recently withdrawn from a child's (details supplied) parents even though this child has very complex needs will be undertaken; if it will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20597/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, 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 person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit which in this case is €265.10 weekly.

CA was in payment to the person concerned from 2 May 2013 to 9 May 2018. Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.

Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.

The means test for carer’s allowance has been significantly eased over the years and is now one of the most generous means tests in the Social Welfare system, most notably with regard to a spouse’s earnings. The income disregard is €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple.

Following a review CA was disallowed and her payment stopped as her means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.

The person concerned was notified on 14 April 2018 of this decision the reason for it and her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned has not requested a review of this decision.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.