Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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519. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carers benefit application will be reviewed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24978/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention.

My Department received an application for CARB from the person concerned on 12th August 2020. Under the provisions of the legislation, a person claiming CARB must be in remunerative full time employment, for a minimum of 16 hours in the week or 32 hours in the fortnight, for eight weeks out of the previous 26 week period immediately prior to the first day on which a claim is made.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that this requirement was satisfied. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 1st September 2020 and of her right of review and appeal.

There is no provision in legislation to waive this requirement. The person concerned has however been advised to apply for Carer's Allowance which is not a contribution based scheme.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision. The outcome of the review is that the original decision is confirmed. On 17 September 2020 the person concerned was notified of this outcome and of their right of appeal directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.