464. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a couple (details supplied) do not qualify for full time carer's allowance despite being pensioners earning a combined €32,000 but another couple who earn €110,000 would qualify for full time carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53428/26]

Under the single payment per person rule, people who qualify for multiple payments from my Department typically receive only the higher of the available options.

However, as an exception to this rule, the half-rate Carer's Allowance was introduced for people already receiving a social welfare payment.  This arrangement allows people receiving certain social welfare payments to retain their primary payment and receive up to a half-rate Carer's Allowance, depending on their means.  For example, a person receiving Carer's Allowance who qualifies for the full Contributory State Pension can, at age 66, move from a €270 per week Carer's Allowance to a combined payment of €453.30 per week, an increase of €183.30 per week.  They may also have an entitlement to Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits Package, and Free Travel.

I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of half rate Carer's Allowance in respect of the care of their son since 22 August 2002 in addition to their weekly Contributory State Pension payment.

For a working couple, earnings from employment are assessed through the Carer's Allowance means test.  The increase in the weekly income disregard thresholds for Carer's Allowance makes the scheme accessible to more carers who may not have previously qualified for Carer's Allowance due to their means and brings us closer to the Government's commitment of phasing out the means test for Carer's Allowance over the lifetime of this Government.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.