Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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1443. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19440/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Carer's benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based payment, made to a person who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care. It is payable for a maximum of 104 weeks for each person being cared for.

CARB was awarded for a period 2 July 2018 to 2 July 2019. As the claim is due to expire on 2 July 2019 the person concerned has made a further application to extend her period of benefit. This was received on 2 April 2019 and is currently being processed. Once a decision has been made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) formerly known as the respite care grant is an annual payment made to full-time carers who satisfy certain conditions. The grant is payable automatically to carers who are in receipt of carer’s allowance (CA) or CARB on the first Thursday in June of the relevant year.

An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 14 March 2018. CARB took effect from 2 July 2018 as per the person concerned leave dates from her employment. As they were not in receipt of CARB until 2 July 2018 they did not qualify for the 2018 CSG.  The 2019 CSG will automatically be paid into her nominated bank account on the first Thursday in June as long as she continues to receive CARB.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.