John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the review of a carer’s allowance claim in the name of a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved; and if the correspondence from her Department on 19 January 2021 will be withdrawn as the applicant is not separated from their spouse but lives apart as a precautionary measure to protect their elderly parents given that the spouse is a front-line worker. [7644/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.

Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.

I can confirm that the person concerned was in receipt of CA from 14 July 2011 to 25 November 2020.

Following a means review, the person concerned was notified that his payment was terminated as his means were determined to exceed the statutory limit. He was also advised of his right of review and appeal.

A review of this decision was requested and, following that review, the decision remained unchanged.

The person concerned then advised that he was no longer living with his family and was experiencing financial hardship. An information request issued on 19 January 2021 requesting proof of separation and details of any maintenance payments.

Following receipt of your representation, this information requested is no longer required and the review is now complete. The outcome of the review is that the person’s means still exceed the statutory means limit.

The person concerned was notified on 8 February 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.