Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

445. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for their carer’s allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47733/21]

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.

An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 21 May 2021.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined by a Deciding Officer (DO) and the claim was disallowed as the evidence submitted did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of the care recipient.

The DO also disallowed CA as the person concerned was on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme and had also failed to provide bank statements when requested

The person concerned was notified on 22 June 2021 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.

A review was requested on 5 July 2021 with further medical evidence submitted. Following this review, it was determined that the full-time care condition was satisfied. The decision of 22 June 2021 to disallow CA remained unchanged however as the person was on a CE Scheme and failed to provide requested documents.

A review was requested on 11 August 2021 with additional evidence submitted. On examination of this evidence, CA was awarded from 12 August 2021.

The first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 30 September 2021. Arrears of allowance due issued on 30 September 2021.

The person concerned was notified on 21 September 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.