What is Carer's Allowance?
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested benefit provided to individuals on low incomes who are providing full-time care for a person in need due to age, disability, or illness, including mental health conditions. The person being cared for must require full-time care and attention.
How to qualify for Carer's Allowance:
To qualify, individuals must:
The person being cared for must either:
or
They are considered to require full-time care and attention if they are so incapacitated as to need continuous supervision to avoid danger to themselves, or they need continuous supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions. They should be likely to require full-time care and attention for at least 12 months.
Rates of Payment:
The rate of payment depends on the outcome of the means test. Here are the maximum personal weekly rates of payment a person can receive if they have no income from any source:
| Full Weekly Rate | Half Weekly Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Carer under 66 | €248.00 | €124.00 |
| Carer 66 and Over | €286.00 | €143.00 |
| Increase for a Qualified Child Under 12 | €46.00 | €23.00 |
| Increase for Qualified Child 12 and Over | €54.00 | €27.00 |
If you are receiving other social welfare payment(s) and you are providing full-time care and attention to another person, you can keep your main social welfare payment and get a half-rate Carer's Allowance as well.
If you are receiving Carer’s Allowance and also meet the qualifying conditions for another social welfare payment, such as a State Pension (Contributory) Application Form (SPC1) or Illness Benefit (IB1), you may apply for the other payment. If awarded, the other payment will be paid in full and also get a half-rate Carer’s Allowance.
How to Apply:
and
Note: You do not need a medical report if you are caring for a child receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance.
Please return your completed application form and relevant supporting documents to:
Carer's Allowance Section
