Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
627. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the domiciliary care allowance to the age of 18 as the vast majority of young people remain in full-time education beyond the current cut off of 16 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a non means tested payment to a parent or guardian in respect of a child under 16 who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention, substantially more than what is typically required by a child of the same age.
More than 64,460 families are currently receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of approximately 73,580 children. The estimated expenditure on the scheme in 2026 is almost €359 million.
Domiciliary Care Allowance stops being paid when a child turns 16 years of age. If the young person continues to suffer from a disability that significantly impacts their daily living activities, they can then apply for a Disability Allowance payment in their own name of €254 per week. To avoid any gap in support, families can apply for Disability Allowance up to 3 months before the child’s 16th birthday.
Where the child's carer is also receiving Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit in addition to the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment, that payment will continue for as long as the qualifying conditions are met, even after Domiciliary Care Allowance stops. In addition, as long as the carer is continuing to provide full-time care and attention, they will continue to be eligible for the annual Carer's Support Grant. This year’s grant was paid to over 147,000 carers on 4th June, and now stands at €2,000.
Any future reform of Domiciliary Care Allowance will be considered in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government and the overall budgetary context.
