Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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373. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance submitted on 16 October (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22394/24]

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.

I can confirm that CA is in payment to the person concerned since 3 March 2016.

Correspondence was received from the person concerned on the 11 July 2023 advising of a change in their circumstances. Following receipt of this correspondence, a review of means commenced on 29 September 2023 and an information request issued to the person concerned.

Following receipt of information, the matter was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to assess means and to confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA were satisfied.

Once the SWI reported, the Deciding Officer determined that the person concerned was entitled to an increase in their weekly rate of CA (full rate and an increase for 2 x qualified children) effective from 6 July 2023. On 7 May 2024 the person concerned was informed of this decision, the CA rate breakdown and also of their right of review and/or appeal.

Arrears of €6,493.00 in respect of the period from 6 July 2023 to 6 May 2024 issued to the person on 16 May 2024 along with their weekly CA payment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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374. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for carer’s allowance will be approved as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22398/24]

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.

I confirm that an application for CA from the person concerned was received on 23 February 2024. Further information in respect of the application was requested from the person concerned on 28 February 2024.

Following receipt of information, the matter was then referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 10 April 2024 to confirm that full-time care is being provided, assess all means and to confirm that all the conditions for the receipt of CA are satisfied.

The SWI has advised that they will meet with the person this week. Once the SWI has completed their report, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.