Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
150. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the carer’s support grant and carer’s allowance currently awaiting decision; the average processing time for each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44223/26]
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.
There are currently 2,780 CA applications awaiting decision. The average time it is currently taking to award a CA claim is 6 weeks.
The Carer’s Support Grant (CSG) is a non-means-tested annual payment for carers who provide full-time care and attention.
There are currently 1,437 standalone CSG claims pending decision. The current average time to award a CSG claim is 4 weeks.
The CSG is not limited to payment on Thursday the 4th of June. Applications for the standalone 2026 CSG can be made up to 31 December 2027. Payments commence from 4th June and may be made on any Thursday thereafter as applications are received and processed.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that all applications are processed as quickly as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
