The Government acknowledges the crucial role that carers play in Irish society and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role.
Carer's Allowance 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.
There are currently 99,256 recipients of Carer’s Allowance. The projected expenditure on Carer’s Allowance for 2025 is approximately €1.24 billion.
On Thursday, 3rd of July 2025, the weekly income disregards for Carer’s Allowance will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse / partner.
This change is significant. The change will not affect customers currently in receipt of the full weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance. However, anyone who is currently in receipt of a reduced weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance due to their means will see an increase in their payment from July 3rd onwards. Payments will be adjusted automatically to take account of the new income disregards.
I hope that answers the Deputy's query.