Written answer
Social Welfare Eligibility
190. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has had their carer’s allowance payment withdrawn. [27674/24]
Comment on this
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.
One of the qualifying conditions is that the means of the person concerned must be less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
I confirm that the person concerned was in receipt of CA from 18 February 2010.
Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement to payment.
On 7th March 2024, correspondence issued from my Department to advise the person concerned that based on their current income it appeared that their means exceeded the statutory limit for continued receipt of CA and that their entitlement to CA was being reconsidered.
The person concerned was offered the opportunity to furnish within 14 days of the letter any other evidence / information before a decision was made by a Deciding Officer.
The customer responded on 5th April 2024. However, no new information was provided and, based on information received to date, the person concerned does not qualify for CA from 8th May 2024 as their means exceed the limit for payment. The last payment of CA issued on 2nd May 2024.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 24th April 2024. 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.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.