Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.

Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the type of disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability / diagnosis, in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age. The decision process that applies in the consideration of whether a child meets the conditions for DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.

Applications for DCA are decided by a Deciding Officer on a case by case basis in respect of the relevant child, based on the information provided in the application process, including any supporting evidence if provided by the applicant. The Deciding Officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in the decision process in all cases.

In addition to the personal details relating to the child's care needs as provided by the applicant in the completed application form (Dom Care 1), including the signed details from the applicant's GP / Specialist or other medical professional in this form, the applicant may provide any additional information and / or documentary evidence that is relevant to their application, such as a diagnostic assessment report(s), medical professional report(s) or otherwise, if available. There is no specific requirement to provide this information or the child's diagnosis when an applicant is applying for DCA. However, such information, if available, may assist my Department's deciding officers and medical assessors to make an appropriate decision on entitlement and at the earliest date possible.

A parent / guardian should apply for DCA once they consider that their child may meet the qualifying criteria for the allowance. It is open to an applicant to subsequently request a review(s) of any decision and this right of review is not time-limited. If requesting a review of a Deciding Officer's decision, an applicant may forward any further new or additional information and / or documentary evidence for further consideration, such as a diagnostic assessment report(s) or otherwise, that was not previously available with the initial DCA application.

In cases where an application is successful, DCA is awarded with effect from the month following receipt of the application.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability that requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the level of care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for a least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.

Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the child's disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age without their disability.

Applications for DCA are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, in respect of the relevant child, based on the personal details provided by the applicant in the application form (Dom Care 1), including the signed details from the applicant's GP/Specialist in this form, along with any other additional information and/or supporting documentary evidence if provided by the applicant. The deciding officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in the decision process in all cases.

In addition to the above medical criteria, the following conditions must be satisfied to qualify for the allowance:

• The child must reside at home with the applicant for 5 or more days per week. However, where the child is in residential care but is at home for 2 or more days per week, half rate DCA may be paid. Children who are receiving care on a full-time basis in residential homes or other institutions are not eligible for DCA
• DCA is also available for up to 26 weeks (6 months) in respect of a newborn child who remains in hospital after birth or is transferred to another hospital for the purpose of receiving medical or other treatment.
• The person who is claiming the allowance must provide for the care of the child.
• The applicant and the child must be ordinarily resident in the state (Republic of Ireland) and satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.

DCA is not means tested and is not subject to PRSI conditions.

Applicants are advised to provide as much detail as possible at application stage, including any additional information and/or documentary evidence that is relevant, medical or otherwise, to ensure all information is available for consideration in the decision and assessment process.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.