Almost 2,700 carers in Ireland are set to benefit from an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment following new income disregard changes this week
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Thousands of carers across the country have seen a boost in their payments this week, following a government rollout of increased financial support.
The income disregard for a single carer will increase from €625 to €1,000, the income disregard for a couple will increase from €1250 to €2,000 and the income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase from €625 to €1,000. The newly implemented changes mean that almost 2,700 carers will see a rise in their Carer’s Allowance payment.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to apply for the payment.
Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?
You can get Carer’s Allowance if you care full-time for someone who is:
Aged 16 or over, and who is so incapacitated that they need full-time care and attention for at least 12 months, orAged under 16, and for whom you get Domiciliary Care Allowance.
As well as providing full-time care, you must:
Be aged 18 or overBe habitually resident in IrelandNot be employed, self-employed, doing voluntary work, training, or any education courses for more than 18.5 hours a weekNot live in a hospital, convalescent home, or a similar institutionPass a means testHow is income assessed?
Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment.
During a means test, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) examines all your sources of income, including that of your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant. To be eligible, your combined weekly income must fall below a specified threshold.
Your rate of Carer’s Allowance may be reduced depending on your weekly means.
The DSP scrutinises your cash income, such as earnings from employment, that you or your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may have.
Certain cash income is excluded from the means test, including some income derived from renting a room in your home.
To calculate your total weekly means, the DSP combines all your sources of assessable income, such as cash and capital.
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, download and fill in an application form for Carer’s Allowance (CR1) (pdf).
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