Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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1071. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payment and arrears will issue in respect of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44894/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 27 June 2018. 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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.

The person concerned was notified on 20 December 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application.

The outcome of the review was that the decision still stood; review no change. The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 12 March 2019, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.

My department was notified that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and a submission was prepared and forwarded to the SWAO.

As a result of an Appeals Officer’s decision, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 29 October 2019 with effect from 28 June 2018. The first payment will issue to her nominated post office on 31 October 2019. Arrears for the period 28 June 2018 to 30 October 2019 issued by cheque on the same date, 29 October 2019.

The person concerned was notified of this on the 29 October 2019.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.