Family carers in Mayo to receive an increase in their payment from today

The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has introduced the highest income disregards and earnings limit in the history of both Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit schemes. This will allow more families to qualify for the first time for support.

The following applies under the changes: The income disregard for a single carer will increase from €625 to €1,000; the income disregard for a couple will increase from €1,250 to €2,000; the income limit for Carer’s Benefit will increase from €625 to €1,000.

The changes announced today mean that almost 2,700 carers will receive an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment from today. Virtually all of those in receipt of Carer’s are now being paid the maximum rate of payment.

Under these changes, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment and with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. This represents an increase from approximately €69,500 and €97,500 respectively and now covers up to 90% of couple households.

A single carer working part-time can earn up to €50,000 and retain their full Carer’s Allowance Payment. The disregard is over double the average earnings for part-time workers.

Furthermore, the increases make the scheme accessible to more carers who may not have previously qualified for Carer’s Allowance due to their means.

Minister Calleary said: “These changes mark another important step in strengthening supports for family carers. Increasing the income disregard thresholds for Carer’s Allowance will ensure that more carers can access the financial assistance they need while continuing to provide essential care to their loved ones.

“We have made substantial progress in recent years for carers. These increases bring us closer to the Government’s commitment of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance over the lifetime of this Government.

“Increasing the income limit for Carer’s Benefit will enable more carers on a higher income to reduce their hours or leave their employment temporarily to care for a loved one.”