Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:365. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated first year and full year cost of expanding the carer’s allowance threshold by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. [46604/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 June 2026
Ceisteanna (365)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government contains the commitment to continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance across a series of Budgets with a view to phasing out the means test over the lifetime of the Government.
Budget 2026 has increased the earnings disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 per week for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 per week for a couple. These are the largest ever increases in the Carer's Allowance income disregards and are evidence of the Government's determination to deliver on its commitment to Carers. This change will be effective from July this year.
As a result, further increases to the income disregards cannot be costed without analysis of the impact of the upcoming increase in July. Any changes to the Carer's Allowance income disregards would have to be considered in a budgetary context and as part of the annual Budget process.