Three different things, often confused
- Carer's Allowance — a means-tested payment for full-time carers
- Carer's Benefit — based on social insurance contributions, for people stepping back from employment, time limited
- Carer's Support Grant — an annual payment the carer can use as they choose
Why we do not quote amounts
Rates, means limits and qualifying dates change. Publishing a figure that later becomes wrong is worse than sending you to the official source, so we link to the source and keep changing facts in our data records with a review date.
If you are employed
- Ask your employer about carer's leave and confirm the arrangement in writing
- Compare Carer's Benefit and Carer's Allowance before applying
- Consider what happens financially when a time-limited payment ends
Looking after yourself is part of the plan
- Ask what respite and day services exist locally, and ask early
- Register with a carer support organisation for practical help and peer contact
- Have a written plan for what happens if you are unwell for a week
Sources
- Department of Social Protection — Carer's payments and supports
Open the official source - Family Carers Ireland — Support for family carers
Open the official source - Citizens Information Board — Citizens Information — older people and carers
Open the official source
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.