Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
344. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify if capital allowances are deducted from self-employed income for the carer's allowance means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46502/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance 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.
Legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse, civil partner or cohabitant) applying to the scheme.
Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital.
Capital is assessed as means and includes savings and investments and the value of property owned, but not personally used. The table below sets out how capital is assessed.
|
Formula |
Weekly Means |
|
First €50,000 |
Nil |
|
Next €10,000 |
€1 per €1,000 |
|
Next €10,000 |
€2 per €1,000 |
|
Excess of €70,000 |
€4 per €1,000 |
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, you might provide the relevant details so that my officials can examine the specific case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
