John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

145. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a domiciliary care allowance will issue to a person (details supplied). [37938/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This domiciliary care allowance (DCA) application has  been finalised.  The person concerned was notified on the 6th September 2018 that DCA was awarded from 1st July 2017 up to 31st December 2017, when the child reached 16 years.  Arrears due for this period issued to the nominated post office on the 18th September 2018.

The qualifying conditions for disability allowance (DA) are different to DCA.  In order to qualify for a DA payment a person must be substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment, be aged between 16 and 65, satisfy a means test, and be habitually resident in the State.  As a result entitlement to DA does not automatically follow payment of DCA.

The person concerned submitted an application for DA on the 22nd February 2018.  Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that this person was substantially restricted in taking up employment. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on the 30th April 2018 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

On the 9th May 2018, following representations on behalf of the person concerned, they were advised that further medical evidence would need to be submitted in order for a review to be carried out. No new evidence has been submitted to date.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.