Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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475. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if eligibility for a carer's allowance will be re-examined in the case of a person (details supplied) who had previously received same in view of Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59549/22]

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 Carers in Budget 2023 were:

- €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance with effect from January 2023 with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate.

- €2 increase for each Qualified Child bringing rates to €50 for Over 12s and €42 for Under 12s from January 2023.

- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant to be paid in November 2022.

If the person concerned wishes to have an application for CA considered, they should complete and return the application form (CR1) that I have arranged to issue to them. Only on receipt of a fully completed application form can an entitlement to CA be determined.

The carer’s support grant (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 I have arranged to issue to them.

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 matter for the deputy.