Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

147. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42219/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 5 October 2020. 

The evidence submitted by the person concerned was examined and the Deciding Officer decided that, although the person concerned was providing a certain amount of care, the level involved did not amount to full-time care.

In addition, the person concerned was taking part in a Community Employment (CE) Scheme.  Section 247 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended, prohibits a person engaged in a CE Scheme from claiming CA or Carer’s Benefit (CARB).

Therefore, on 17 October 2020 the application was disallowed.

On 27 October 2020 additional evidence was submitted, this included a letter of cessation from the CE Scheme provider.

This evidence was examined and resulted in CA being awarded to the person concerned.

The first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 10 December 2020. Arrears of allowance due from 29 October 2020 to 09 December 2020 will also issue.

The person concerned was notified on 4 December 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.