Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
350. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the first year and full year cost of expanding the domiciliary care allowance threshold by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability and requires care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.
From January 2026, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €360 to €380 per month. Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases to be payable when a child reaches 16 years of age. The young person can then apply for Disability Allowance if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Domiciliary Care Allowance is not a means-tested payment, therefore below increases have been costed as a rate change rather than an increase to a means threshold.
The estimated annual cost of increasing the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment by 5% from €380 per month to €399 per month is €16.5 million.
The estimated annual cost of increasing the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment by 10% from €380 per month to €418 per month is €33.0 million.
The estimated annual cost of increasing the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment by 15% from €380 per month to €437 per month is €49.6 million.
The estimated annual cost of increasing the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment by 20% from €380 per month to €456 per month is €66.1 million.
This costing is based on the estimated average number of recipients in 2026, and is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.
