Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
487. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person who qualifies for the State Pension and continues to provide full-time care is only entitled to a half-rate carer’s allowance; and whether this arrangement will be reviewed, given that their caring responsibilities have not changed. [68035/26]
View answerI fully acknowledge the significant contribution made by carers and recognise that caring responsibilities do not necessarily diminish when a carer reaches pension age. Government has provided over €2.2 billion for caring income supports in 2026.
Generally, under the single payment per person rule, people who qualify for multiple social welfare payments typically receive only the higher of the available options.
In recognition of the important contribution made by carers, an exception applies whereby a person who is receiving a primary social welfare payment and who is also providing full-time care and attention may receive a half-rate Carer's Allowance in addition to their main payment. This arrangement applies to almost all weekly social welfare payments.
Currently, there are over 111,000 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance at an estimated cost of more than €1.4 billion in 2026. Of that total, 17,390 pensioners are receiving a State Pension together with a half-rate Carer's Allowance payment. Following the substantial improvements made to the Carer's Allowance means test in Budget 2026, virtually all carers now receive the maximum rate of the weekly payment.
This arrangement means that a person in receipt of Carer's Allowance who qualifies for the full State Pension on reaching age 66 and retains entitlement to a half-rate Carer's Allowance will see their weekly income increase from €270 to a combined pension and carer payment of €453.30 per week an increase of €183.30 per week.
There are currently no plans to provide a full-rate Carer's Allowance in addition to another primary social welfare payment. The Government's main policy focus in this area is the phased removal of the means test for Carer's Allowance, which is well underway. This approach has been consistently advocated by family carer organisations.
Government is committed to supporting carers and commitments as set out in the Programme for Government will continue to be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
