Domiciliary Care Allowance Review - Welfare.ie

Following in-depth consideration the review group’s consensus is that the ‘higher level of care’should be retained as a requirement. In taking this decision the review group is aware that thiswill mean that overall success rates on applications for the allowance will not be expected tovary much from those currently experienced.In order to ensure that the scheme meets its purpose, a number of recommendations are madefor immediate implementation that will improve transparency in the administration process.A number of policy recommendations are included relating to linkages between the DCA andother schemes and the appropriate age (18 is the group consensus) at which payment of theallowance should finish. Issues have also been identified that require further work/research.Linkages between service provision, particularly the ease of availability of reports forparents/guardians and the payment of the allowance leads to a recommendation that furtherwork is undertaken by the Departments/Agencies involved.In conclusion, the review group recognises the role of the DCA scheme and recommends thatthe current scheme definition (level of care required to qualify) is retained in order to supportthe families and children who require this level of care.RecommendationsIn considering the desired policy and process change, along with areas for future work andresearch, the review group recommends that;1. The terminology in use to describe the level of care required to qualify for domiciliarycare allowance be retained.2. Definitions for the words ‘substantial’ and ‘severe’ as set out in the Medical Guidelinesform a good basis to assist parents/guardians in their understanding of the type and levelof additional care required to qualify.3. Definitions based on those used in the Medical Guidelines should be made available andincluded in all information documents and on the web.DCA Review Group Report – Final – 21 December 2012 - confidential Page 6