John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for the domiciliary care allowance relative to a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved based on the medical reports provided and the outline of the daily care that is given by a person. [27373/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child, aged under 16 with a severe disability who requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age.  The child must be likely to require full-time care and attention for at least 12 months.

An application for DCA in respect of their child Patrick was received from the person concerned on 09 February 2022.  Their application was disallowed as per Department's decision dated 14 April 2022, as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for DCA. 

The person concerned appealed this decision.  As part of the appeals process, their application was re-examined by a deciding officer.  Following a review of all the information supplied, including the application form and all supporting documentation provided in support of their application and subsequent appeal, it has been decided that the person concerned does meet the qualifying conditions for receipt of DCA.  Their application has been awarded and backdated 6 months, as provided for under legislation, effective from 1 September 2021.  Backdating of payment was allowed following consideration of the evidence provided by the applicant relating to the good cause for not sending an earlier application.  Payment will commence on 21 June 2022.  Arrears owing will also issue on this date.

The person concerned was notified in writing of the details of this revised decision on 25 May 2022.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.