Alan Kelly
Ceist:369. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of years it will take before he will be in a position to abolish the means test for carer's allowance. [53384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 October 2025
Ceisteanna (369)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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.
It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable, and which balances the allocation of the available budgetary resources each year across all priorities. This includes funding services to other vulnerable groups such as disabled people, lone parents and children.
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 the annual Budget process and in light of available resources.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.