Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) will be processed and paid from the period of application to their passing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46907/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that an application from the person concerned for disability allowance (DA) was received by the Department on 01 April 2022.

The person concerned has been awarded DA with effect from 06 April 2022 until the Tuesday after his death 06 September 2022. Arrears of payment from 06 April 2022 to 06 September 2022 less any necessary adjustment was issued on 22 September 2022 which will be paid by their chosen payment method on 28 September 2022.

Where a person in receipt of disability allowance dies, the payment may continue for a period of six weeks after death in certain circumstances. The main provisions relating to payments after death are contained in Section 248 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005.

As the widowed partner of the person is getting certain social welfare payments in her own right, she is entitled to the six weeks after death payment. This payment was issued by cheque to her on 22 September which covers the period 07 September 2022 to 18 October 2022.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment in respect of a child with a severe disability who requires care and attention substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age without their disability. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months.

The person concerned has been awarded DCA and backdated 6 months, as provided for under legislation, effective from 1st February 2022. Backdating of payment was considered following consideration of the evidence provided by the applicant relating to the good cause for not sending an earlier application. Payment commenced on 20th September 2022 and arrears owing from 1st February 2022 also issued on this date.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 14th September 2022.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.