2049. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in receipt of benefit payment for over 65s is eligible to qualify for a carers support grant, given that a person in receipt of the benefit payment does not need to look for work, sign on or be available for work to receive the payment and that same person can then be providing full-time care and attention to another person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62034/26]

The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds was introduced to support people aged 65 who retire from work but are not yet eligible for the State Pension. The benefit payment is provided for under the Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) social insurance schemes in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 as amended.

Those who qualify for the payment are not required to sign on, partake in any activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work which is generally the case for recipients of jobseeker payments.

The Carer’s Support Grant is an annual payment of €2,000 for people who provide full?time care. Legislation provides that a person cannot receive the grant if they are in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment, as these situations are not compatible with providing full?time care.

I note the point raised by the Deputy and agree that this matter warrants consideration.

If the Deputy is aware of any individual who is in the situation described, he should forward the details to my Department so that an examination can be undertaken having regard to the specific circumstances of the case.