Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
261. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of a partial payment of the carer's allowance at a rate that is less than €100 per week, and the average rate of payment received. [37384/24]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
The two principal conditions for receipt of CA are that full time care and attention is required and being provided, and that the means test which applies is satisfied.
The means test for CA has been significantly eased over the years. The current income disregard is €450 per week for a single person and €900 per week for a couple. The capital disregard is €50,000 for a single person and €100,000 for a couple.
There are currently 97,407 people in receipt of CA. Of these, 444 customers are currently in receipt of a rate of payment below €100.00 per week. The average weekly rate of payment to these customers is €66.68. These customers are in receipt of a partial payment owing to their means.
I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.
