James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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609. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will outline the process for applying for carer’s allowance and if it is necessary for the applicant to be physically seen by the social welfare officer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/25]

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.

The CA application form (CR1) should, in all cases, be completed in full and signed by the claimant.

The claimant is required to give their full name, address, date of birth, PPSN, and details of their means and that of their spouse/partner. Details of the person being cared for, as well as details of qualified child/ren for whom an increase is being claimed, should also be given.

On receipt of the completed application form, an acknowledgement is issued via SMS text message if there is a current mobile number on the Department's system.

The claimant is required under social welfare legislation to produce certificates, documents, information and evidence as required, for the purposes of deciding the claim.

Where the details furnished are not to the satisfaction of the Deciding Officer e.g. full-time care and attention, residence and/or means details are not clear, further enquiries are made, either by correspondence with the claimant or by referring the file containing the claim form and supporting documentation to a Social Welfare Inspector. A report is completed by the Social Welfare Inspector, usually following an interview with the claimant. The file is then returned to a Deciding Officer who makes a decision on entitlement, provided all the relevant details are available.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.