Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

878. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the full rate of carer’s allowance. [31207/21]

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.

A recipient of full rate CA is entitled to claim an increase for a qualified child (IQC) where:

- the child normally resides with them and

- the child is aged less than 18 or is aged between 18 and 21 and attending full-time day education

A recipient of full rate CA is entitled to claim an Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) at the following rates:

- Full-rate IQC is paid with CA where the applicant is parenting alone

- Half-rate IQC is paid with CA if the applicant has a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of full rate CA. According to the Department's records, the person concerned is married and living with her spouse. Therefore, IQCs are currently at half rate in respect of three qualified children.

Correspondence dated 24 May 2021 was received containing an affidavit confirming that the person concerned is separated and parenting alone.

A review of her claim commenced on receipt of this information. Once the review is complete the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

879. 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. [31218/21]

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

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that two appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office. The Domiciliary Care Allowance appeal was received on 16th March 2021 and the Carers Allowance appeal was received on 19th April 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th May 2021 (DCA) and on 13th May 2021 (Carers) and both cases have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.