Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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821. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department will consider exempting funds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24220/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, property (except their own home), or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 25 February 2025.

Based on the information submitted with their application, it was found that the person concerned has access to an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF). As these funds were found to be accessible to the person, they are assessable on a capital basis for social welfare means purposes.

The claim was disallowed as the means of the person concerned exceeded the statutory means limit. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 15 April 2025. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The means test for CA has been significantly eased over the years and is now one of the most generous means tests in the Social Welfare system. As part of Budget 2025, with effect from July 2025, the weekly income disregard will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner.

If the circumstances of the person concerned change or they have a reduction of income in the future, it is open to them to reapply for CA.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.