Carers allowance

Kiya11 · 07-05-2014 12:14am #1

How long does it take for carers allowance to be granted if not declined?

Iv heard the system has been really long in the past, but has improved a bit since then.

Anybody that has just recently been granted carers allowance how long did the whole process take?

Thanks guys

MissRachael29 · 11-05-2014 2:32pm

Hi I applied the first week of march and still haven't heard anything, I rang last week to follow up my application and the lady said another 4 weeks or so.. so its like a 12 -14 weeks process. When i applied for domiciliary allowance it took around 2 months to process and i was accepted, i got 2 payments together. all the payments are backdated.

MissRachael29 · 12-05-2014 7:16pm

Just been on the phone again today to the department, and i was only told last week that i had 4 weeks left, a different employee there today told me that they are still processing applications from January and that it will be another few months till my application is even opened which was delivered to them in march.. so here comes the waiting game

Kiya11 · 14-05-2014 8:59pm

MissRachael29 wrote: »

Just been on the phone again today to the department, and i was only told last week that i had 4 weeks left, a different employee there today told me that they are still processing applications from January and that it will be another few months till my application is even opened which was delivered to them in march.. so here comes the waiting game

Ur joking.! That's a very long time. My sister applied mid march and she recieved a text message 2 weeks later saying her application is in process and they will be in contact soon. Have you recieved that message too? Do u reckon you'll be entitled to the respite lumpsome in June? Will it be back dated with ur weekly payments? Iv been told u cannot recieve respite lumpsome unless ur on carers a minimum of 6months but I'm not sure it's that's true or not. Sorry for the late reply

rcdada · 15-05-2014 9:13am

Once your in receipt for carer's before june you'll get the respite also is your sister receiving dca (respite comes automatically with this payment) my sister sent in her carer's and she received a text message the first week of February and she's told there still processing so I think it's going to be a long wait.....

Kiya11 · 15-05-2014 8:41pm

rcdada wrote: »

Once your in receipt for carer's before june you'll get the respite also is your sister receiving dca (respite comes automatically with this payment) my sister sent in her carer's and she received a text message the first week of February and she's told there still processing so I think it's going to be a long wait.....

No she's not receiving dca she's just caring for an elderly relative. Iv read lastnight online that u must be a Carer for a minimum of 6months to recieve respite so doubt she will get that although she cares for this person over a year I think u have to be a registered Carer. It ridiculous the amount of time it take for it to come threw

rcdada · 16-05-2014 3:25pm

my sister was granted her carer's yesterday, hopefully your wait won't be too long!!!

Kiya11 · 21-05-2014 10:06pm

rcdada wrote: »

my sister was granted her carer's yesterday, hopefully your wait won't be too long!!!

Thanks brilliant news. I don't think she will get the respite tho because you have to be on carers 6months

MissRachael29 · 26-05-2014 9:55pm

Oh that's brilliant

I'm still currently waiting, its taking so long.! also i have DCA since December and i will be receiving respite grant next week, it is Thursday and it is €1.375.00.
if you don't automatically receive it you can claim it because your carers was granted before hand. As far as i know that's how it works.

Kiya11 · 28-05-2014 1:09am

The time it takes to come through is crazy, I'd imagine it's very annoying for some. My sister sent her application in on the last week in March so not long between you two. I really hope she gets the respite tho because she's caring for my granny well over a year now even tho she hasn't applied till March it's not an easy job, my gran can bearly do anything for herself. My sis had no choice but to leave her job and care for her. It was either that or a home. Although most nursing homes are great I'd be afraid she would think she was just been abandoned. Old age it's a terrible thing.! Sorry for the novel lol

ann0 · 29-05-2014 11:16pm

im getting half rate carers allowance for 1 child.i applied for full carers allowance about 8 weeks ago.how much do you get with 2 more dependents or will it be done as 3 dependents.

GB68 · 04-06-2014 12:37am

Hi just been reading this thread re recent claims and wondering if anyone can answer some questions
I applied for Carers Allowance in January 2014 although been looking after my mum since December 2012. When I applied we were living seperately although I was here all day she stayed the night alone but circumstances changed and she had a second stroke in Febuary and I have been here full time since. I have informed the Dept and they are aware of this. I was self employed and have not worked since last November. I own my own property but like many other am in arrears and have a deal with the lender.
I had a visit from an inspector last week and was made to feel like I was begging...what she didn't ask to see..she questioned my property and why I am not renting it out. When I explained that part of the mortgage arrangement means I cannot sublet and ideally I am hoping this not to be a long term situation and perhaps one day I can return to live there and return to work she did not seem impressed. She also questioned how I had survived the past 6 months...with great difficuly my mum, credit cards the usual. I then received a social welfare card in the post and assumed it may now be sorted so rang them but no they are awaiting her report could be another month.... although they did say my case is marked priority but It's 17 weeks now. Can anyone tell me how long they waited after the inspector visit to hear?
Many thanks

Kiya11 · 09-06-2014 12:11pm

That's a first iv ever heard of inspector coming to visit (maybe only because of the change in your mothers health). Anybody I no of that has applied only (this year) has been waiting roughly 14Weeks. I'm currently waiting 11weeks now. You should keep ringing to find out what is the delay, also explain your difficulties, financially. Hope u get sorted soon. These people don't realize how much money us carers actually save them by looking after a person in need. The government would need pay out hundreds for nursing homes and staff to do our job.! They also expect us to live of fresh air for weeks on end. Totally scandalous.

longlad81 · 09-06-2014 1:50pm

i applied in february and was granted at end of may which isnt that long considering all the claims

so there working pretty quick compared to last year

longlad81 · 09-06-2014 1:52pm

totally kiyall but the ones working in carers r not the government there only doing a job so respect has to be given there too i know us as carers have a tough time but there only following rules n regulations

longlad81 · 09-06-2014 1:56pm

gb68 i have an inspector out too for a means assessment as i was living off savings its all just part of the process i rang a few days later to see if there was an update and was told the file was stil with the inspector so i rang her and she said she was finished her report and file wud be sent back that week i got my approval letter the week after

Kiya11 · 11-06-2014 1:10am

longlad81 wrote: »

totally kiyall but the ones working in carers r not the government there only doing a job so respect has to be given there too i know us as carers have a tough time but there only following rules n regulations

Yes most defiantly i understand everybody is just doing their job and there are so many people in this country in the same position. I was referring only to our government when I said (theses people) sorry my mistake

ann0 · 26-06-2014 10:16am

how much is full carers with 3 dependants

ciaradkennedy · 03-09-2014 10:35am

Hi everyone, i am new to this so please bare with me. I applied for carers in May 2014, heard back approx 3 weeks ago, was declined because my hours were not sufficient. However since i made my original claim alot changed due to my dads declining health.He has dementia, my mother went into a nursing home this time last year with vascular dementia. I sent back in proof of hours (full time care/weekends staying at my home, moving in with me full time shortly).I sent back all this info with letters from Dist Nurse and dads Doctor who both said i am caring for him full time. Medically he has been approved for carers. I am now awaiting a decision on my allowance claim which is in review. Does anyone know roughly how long this takes as i am out a small fortune at this stage. Can i make one final point, the people who answer the phone for carers are very helpful i have found, the delay comes in higher departments.

Couch Potatoe · 03-10-2014 9:15pm

Kiya11 wrote: »

That's a first iv ever heard of inspector coming to visit (maybe only because of the change in your mothers health). Anybody I no of that has applied only (this year) has been waiting roughly 14Weeks. I'm currently waiting 11weeks now. You should keep ringing to find out what is the delay, also explain your difficulties, financially. Hope u get sorted soon. These people don't realize how much money us carers actually save them by looking after a person in need. The government would need pay out hundreds for nursing homes and staff to do our job.! They also expect us to live of fresh air for weeks on end. Totally scandalous.

A lovely Inspector came to my house.

madmaggie · 12-10-2014 11:51pm

I'm reading these posts with interest as I had a hell of a time getting Carer's Allowance a few years back. I had been getting the Carer's Benefit till the stamps ran out, then they refused the allowance as my relative had somehow miraculously recovered.

My advice to ye is get on to a TD, preferably one who is a government minster, that shakes things up. With an election looking likely in the next 18 months or so, they should be ever so helpful. Hope this helps, and good luck to ye, keep fighting.

jackie f · 19-11-2014 6:00am

Hi I'm new to this I applied for carers allowance end of April 2014 was refused on medical saying person not needing full time care in October, sent in more evidence for review in October still waiting does anyone know how long a review takes?

Kathy m · 20-11-2014 12:42am

Hi Jackie, I sent mine for review in July .same as yourself ( medical grounds ) When i spoke with them last week i was told it was sent to social welfare inspector and they would contact me before sending it back to deciding officer.

jackie f · 20-11-2014 2:19am

Hi Kathy
Got my review back today refused again said that the person is not so invalided to require full time care, and the person does not meet the care requirements set out in section 179 (4) of the act. And I didn't provide sufficient evidence to prove he needs full time care. Don't know what else I can send to them so I guess I'll have to send it all to appeal maybe get more letters off doctors so another long wait its terrible:( hope you get sorted Kathy let me know how you get on :-)

Kathy m · 21-11-2014 9:09am

Sorry to hear that Jackie, Do appeal it i know it wil be another long wait , get your TD involved, Doctor , Health nurse and give them every detail of what you do as a carer from day to day. Good luck with it and i hope it all works out for you

jackie f · 28-11-2014 8:23am

Hi does anyone know how long appeal takes and what evidence would you need to send?

Kathy m · 28-11-2014 1:56pm

Hi Jackie i,ve seen some posts where it has taken quite a while for appeals. Get some more letters from your doctor,health nurse and give them written details of everything u do from day to day .Get your TD invovled as well. I,m still waiting on review. 17 weeks now. Its been with the inspector the last 5 wks, waiting on a call from them. If refused again i think i give up . I will just carry on as i,m doing. But good luck Jackie with your appeal . I hopes it goes well

jackie f · 29-11-2014 5:30am

Please Kathy don't give up did u go to TD? That's very long waiting on review I'm just trying to get more evidence then I'll send it off for appeal but won't give up its very hard but keep fighting :-)

Kathy m · 29-11-2014 8:34am

Hi Jackie, I spoke to my TD a few times now and to the inspector. They told me they would be in touch in due course. I have everything i need for the inspector incase i,m been means tested again and an up to date letter from doctor . So i wait and see . But i am now just going to enjoy Christmas with the family and wait untill i hear from them. Get going on your review Jackie and send it off to them . And best of luck to you.

Liisa88 · 15-12-2014 11:43am

Hello, Im fairly new to all of this, but i applied in the mid of November and called about it a month later to ask how are things going and i was told it takes 16 weeks from the application date to get a decision. Does anyone have an idea what are the odds of getting the carers allowance when you already are granted domiciliary allowance and the grant (recently)?

jackie f · 15-12-2014 12:07pm

Hi Lisa
I applied in April 2014 was refused in Oct sent in for review and was refused again so I sent it to appeal Dec 14 so going to be a long wait, you might be ok because you have the domiciliary allowance might not to wait as long. Good luck hope you get sorted soon :-)

Kathy m · 15-12-2014 2:54pm

Update' I had my interview with the inspector on Friday. Had to call to his office' he asked a few questions and looked for more bank statements for his means test. it wasn't two bad . he will send off his report and I should hear back in the new year . The descion will be made by the deciding officer. At least that bits over :-)

jackie f · 16-12-2014 3:20am

Hi Kathy hope all goes well for you let me know when u get word,enjoy xmas and hopefully you get good news in the new year :-)

Kathy m · 08-01-2015 8:59am

Hi jackie . Some good news got approved for csrers. Recieved letter yesterday . Did not get it from March when i first applied but from July . But just to be approved is good enough for me . I wish you all the best with your appeal Jackie and keep us posted as to how its going for you ☺

oconnol1 · 09-02-2015 9:15pm

Hello all, I applied for carers allowance for my parents last week, 05 Feb 2015, both parents are in their 80's. Anyone have experience of waiting times in 2015 or of an application for elderly people.

tinofapples · 29-03-2015 7:42pm

Might as well ask the question here where people seem to be well informed, if I were to give up work to do carers allowance for someone how would this effect my stamps/PRSI contributions and such ?

oconnol1 · 29-03-2015 9:34pm

tinofapples wrote: »

Might as well ask the question here where people seem to be well informed, if I were to give up work to do carers allowance for someone how would this effect my stamps/PRSI contributions and such ?

Hello there , if you are currently in full time employment and leave work to care for someone you should apply for carers benefit. Carers benefit lasts for one year and then you could apply for carers allowance if you still are caring for someone. Your PSRI contributions are honoured on both carers allowance and benefit. You should advise your local tax office when your carers payment is approved.

tinofapples · 13-05-2015 9:10pm

Another question for those with more knowledge/experience of this process, my wife applied for Carers Allowance to look after her mother on the 29/01. She's currently in full time employment but stated on her application that she would be willing to give this up to allow time to care for her Mum. As it is it's a juggling act between work/kids/mother and so on, hence the application. We're not in a position that she could just give up work without knowing there would be some assistance. Today she received a reply stating:

Dear Mrs Joe Bloggs
I refer to your claim for carers allowance in respect of Mary Bloggs. I have examined your claim and you have been assessed with means of:

€xxx.xx per week from 29/01/15
However I regret to inform you that you do not qualify because:
You are working/self employed outside the home for more than 15 hours per week
Having reviewed the evidence in your case a deciding officer has found that you are not providing full time care and attention as required

If you think this decision is wrong, it is open to you to send and further information about your case to this office and a deciding officer will review your case

Now my wife had clearly stated that she was willing to either cut back to 15 hours (If allowed so by employer) or give up work altogether. Her mothers needs are a priority in as much as we can afford. The second issue is basically tied in with the first as she is providing care before and after her working day to her mother but obviously can't while she is in work.

We were initially baffled by the letter but am I right thinking this is just an effort to fob off our application ? We will certainly be appealing this by sending "further information" and clearly stating that employment will be given up if she qualifies.

Did we make an error by stating that she was willing to give up work to fulfill full-time care ?

We'd we interested to hear any of your thoughts/experiences of this situation ?

Many thanks.

tinofapples · 15-05-2015 9:57pm

Anyone ? Should we communicate by letter or attempt to talk to the "Deciding Officer" ?

looksee · 15-05-2015 10:25pm

I am not sure, but I suspect you have to be actually caring and already not working in order to qualify. Don't take that as authoritative information, but it may be a starting point for discussing it with the officer.

tinofapples · 15-05-2015 10:35pm

looksee wrote: »

I am not sure, but I suspect you have to be actually caring and already not working in order to qualify. Don't take that as authoritative information, but it may be a starting point for discussing it with the officer.

She's fitting in the caring around her job at the moment, taking time off work for Doctor/Hospital appointments. Taking time off or asking neighbours for assistance isn't and can't be expected as a long term arrangement. It's not ideal that she's contemplating giving up her job but we are the closest geographically family member.

lulu1 · 15-05-2015 10:41pm

I dont think they will commit to anything while your wife is still working. But I would ring Longford and inquire anyway.

tinofapples · 15-05-2015 11:02pm

lulu1 wrote: »

I dont think they will commit to anything while your wife is still working. But I would ring Longford and inquire anyway.

I hear ya, that leaves us in a difficult position. A bit of advice from the deciding officer would be useful but as you say "commitment" will be impossible to obtain.

madcharlie · 03-01-2016 10:09pm

Hi, I was wondering could anybody advise on this ?
My parents have moved in with my grandmother to look after her. My mam works and my dad is on the state pension. My dad is applying for it (he will only be eligible for half the payment).

My query is about the means . The advice on the citizens advice is a bit vague . It states the first €665 that a couple earn weekly is disregarded. My parents I imagine are under either on that, or a little under. But for arguments sake , they are €10 over per week, is the application declined or is it just docked that €10.

That would be the only issue with the application, my gran requires full time care.

Thanks in advance for any feedback

njs030 · 03-01-2016 11:26pm

madcharlie wrote: »

Hi, I was wondering could anybody advise on this ?
My parents have moved in with my grandmother to look after her. My mam works and my dad is on the state pension. My dad is applying for it (he will only be eligible for half the payment).

My query is about the means . The advice on the citizens advice is a bit vague . It states the first €665 that a couple earn weekly is disregarded. My parents I imagine are under either on that, or a little under. But for arguments sake , they are €10 over per week, is the application declined or is it just docked that €10.

That would be the only issue with the application, my gran requires full time care.

Thanks in advance for any feedback

They would be docked €10. What happened to their own house? Sw will ask about that too and any earnings from rent etc will be part of their means test.
Good luck with it!

Carers allowance

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