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CareMapIreland

Carer supports

Carer's Allowance

A means-tested social welfare payment for people providing full-time care to someone who needs it.

Public / statutory scheme

Last reviewed: not yet reviewedNeeds review

Carer's Allowance recognises full-time caring. It is means tested, so the carer's own income and savings are taken into account.

Two people can sometimes share caring for one person, and there are rules about limited work or study. Because these conditions and the rates change, we point you to the official source rather than repeating figures here.

Who it's generally for

Family carers providing full-time care, where the carer's means are within the limits set by the Department of Social Protection.

What it provides

  • A regular payment for a carer providing full-time care
  • Access to some related carer supports once in payment

The eligibility and assessment caveat

Carer's Allowance is means tested and has conditions about the level of care provided and other work or study. Rates and means limits change — always check the current official rules before making financial plans.

What to do next

  1. Read the current conditions and rates on the official source before applying
  2. Have the person being cared for ask their GP to complete the medical section of the application
  3. Talk to a Citizens Information centre if the means test is unclear

Documents and information worth preparing

  • Both people's PPS numbers
  • Details of the carer's income, savings and any other payments
  • The GP's details for the medical report section
  • A description of the care provided during a typical day

Questions worth asking

  • Which carer's payment is the right one to apply for in our circumstances?
  • What happens to the payment if the person goes into hospital or respite?
  • Can the carer do any paid work or study while in payment?

Official sources

We summarise. The organisations below are the authority on current rules, rates and thresholds.