Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7411/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Benefit is a payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full time care.

To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.

It is payable for a period of 2 years (104 weeks) for each care recipient and may be claimed over separate periods up to a total of 2 years (104 weeks)

The person concerned made an application for Carer's Benefit which was received on 9 February 2024.

The average time it takes to process a new Carer’s Benefit claim is 5 weeks. Claims are processed in chronological date of receipt in order to ensure fairness to all customers.

If any further information is needed by the Deciding Officer in order to make a decision on the application, this will be requested from the person concerned in writing. If no further information is required, the Deciding Officer will make a formal decision and the person concerned will be notified in writing.

If the person concerned is in financial need, they may contact the Community Welfare Officer in their area regarding payment of Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.