Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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472. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which the waiting time for decision in respect of applications for various social welfare payments has been shortened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59546/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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473. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which waiting times for payments in respect of means-tested applications compare with contribution related payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59547/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.

My Department understands the many pressures faced by customers and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed quickly and efficiently.

Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing eligibility criteria. Schemes that require a higher level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested schemes, which necessitate the submission of certain financial documentation, can require more detailed investigation and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.

I am pleased to report that claims processing is generally up to date, with processing targets met and exceeded for most of the primary schemes. This is for both the means-tested and contributory schemes. My department continues to ensure that customer service is maintained at a high level.

The average processing times across the main schemes is outlined in the table below.

- For the majority of schemes, the claim processing performance measure of ‘weeks-to-award’ has continued to exceed performance targets and has remained consistent or has shortened when compared with end-December 2021 results.

- 8 of the 10 contributory schemes show consistent weeks-to-award results at end-October 2022, when compared with end-December 2021 results.

- 6 of the 8 non-contributory schemes show consistent or shortened weeks-to-award results at end-October 2022, when compared with end-December 2021.

In recent years, my Department has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximized.

In addition, the staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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474. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that a carer's support grant and a respite grant has not been paid in the case of a person (details supplied) who had previously received same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59550/22]

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.

Among the measures introduced for CA in Budget 2023 was a €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant (CSG) to be paid in November 2022.

The CSG is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the same caring conditions as CA. The person concerned received the 2022 CSG on 2nd June. If the person concerned wishes to be considered for the €500 Cost of Living Payment introduced as part of Budget 2023, they will need to complete a declaration form that was issued to them on 24th November.

To date there is no record of the declaration form being received.

On receipt of a fully completed declaration form, the entitlement of the person to the cost-of-living payment of €500 will be determined at the earliest possible date.

I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.