Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
335. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the increase in income disregards carer's allowance as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government has clearly set out a timeline which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government.
With this Budget, we are increasing the income disregard for a single person by €375 per week to €1,000. That’s an increase of 60% and means that a single person who provides full time care but does some part-time work can earn over €55,000 per year from that work, and receive a full carers payment. In parallel, we are also increasing the income disregard for a couple by 60% or €750 to €2,000 per week. That means that a person who is caring in a household where their partner earns up to €108,000 per annum will receive a full carer’s payment.
Further improvements to the Carer's Allowance means test will continue to be considered in the context of annual budgets and in light of available resources.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
