Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

139. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review the appeals process and criteria for carer's allowance and disability allowance, in light of cases where families providing full-time care have been refused supports despite clear evidence of need, particularly in rural areas where access to services is limited (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50809/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which my Department provides income support to carers in the community.

The primary objective of the Carer’s Allowance payment is to provide an income support to people whose earning capacity is substantially reduced because they cannot work full-time due to their caring responsibilities.

The principal conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are that a means test is satisfied, and that full-time care and attention is required and being provided. Full-time care is set out in legislation as the provision of care for not less than 35 hours over a minimum of five days per week.

The provision of full-time care and attention requirement is moderated somewhat by allowing a carer to work or engage in education or training for up to 18.5 hours a week and still qualify for a payment. Effectively this is half a working week. During this time adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.

When assessing an application for Carer’s Allowance, the Department must be satisfied that the carer meets the criteria as set out in legislation. This includes ensuring that care is being provided for not less than 35 hours per week and that the carer is not engaged in employment or self-employment for more than 18.5 hours. The same legislation applies to a claim being processed by the Department and a claim where the decision has been appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

When a Social Welfare Inspector is assessing a claim for Carer's Allowance from a farmer, they complete a Means Reporting Form and an IN93 form. The latter looks at the income and expenses on the farm. Where necessary, my Department refers to the Tegasc Farm Management Handbook, which provides guidance on how to calculate the standard labour requirements for the agricultural enterprise in question.

It is important to note that where a person disagrees with the Department’s calculation of labour hours, they can provide supporting evidence to challenge the assessment and any such information will be considered.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.