I fully recognise the invaluable contribution made by our family carers and I acknowledge that caring responsibilities do not diminish when a person reaches pension age. The Government has provided over €2.2 billion for caring income supports in 2026.
Generally under the single payment per person rule, people who qualify for multiple social welfare payments typically receive only the higher of the available options.
In recognition of the important contribution made by carers, an exception applies whereby a person who is receiving a primary social welfare payment and who is also providing full-time care and attention may receive a half-rate Carer's Allowance in addition to their main payment. This arrangement applies to almost all weekly social welfare payments.
There are currently more than 111,000 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance at an estimated cost of more than €1.4 billion in 2026. Of that total, 51,919 are receiving their full primary social welfare payment together with a half-rate Carer's Allowance payment. Following the substantial improvements made to the Carer's Allowance means test in Budget 2026, the vast majority of these carers now receive the maximum half-rate payment. The weekly income disregard increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of a couple.
Currently, there are 17,390 pensioners receiving the State Pension and an additional half-rate Carer’s Allowance payment. Of those, 450 are providing care to two or more people and currently receiving an enhanced half-rate payment.
Following Budget 2026, eligible Carer’s Allowance recipients who qualify for the full State Pension (Contributory) see the amount they receive each week increase from €270 to €453.30 at age 66—an increase of €183.30.
To provide a full-rate Carer's Allowance payment to these 17,390 pensioners would cost an estimated additional €141 million annually.
It is important to note that this costing is an estimate based on administrative data. It takes no account of year-on-year increases in recipient numbers or increases in rates of payment.
I have no plan at this time to amend the policy relating to the payment of half-rate Carer's Allowance and pension payments. The Government’s main focus in relation to carers is the process of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance, which is well underway. This policy approach is strongly advocated by family carer organisations.
The Government is committed to supporting carers, and commitments as set out in the Programme for Government will continue to be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
