Carer's Benefit is aimed at people who are stepping away from a job to care. Unlike Carer's Allowance it is not means tested, but it does depend on your social insurance record and it runs for a limited period.
If you are employed, look at carer's leave at the same time — the two are designed to work together.
Who it's generally for
Employees with enough social insurance contributions who are leaving or reducing work to provide full-time care.
What it provides
- A time-limited payment for someone stepping back from work to care
- A route that does not depend on a means test, but does depend on PRSI contributions
The eligibility and assessment caveat
Carer's Benefit depends on your PRSI record and has time limits and employment conditions. Check the current official rules and consider carer's leave from work alongside it.
What to do next
- Check the current contribution conditions and duration on the official source
- Talk to your employer about carer's leave and put the arrangement in writing
- Compare Carer's Benefit and Carer's Allowance before deciding which to apply for
Documents and information worth preparing
- Your employment details and the date you plan to reduce or stop work
- Your PPS number and PRSI record
- Medical details of the person being cared for, completed by their GP
Questions worth asking
- Given my work history, which payment am I more likely to qualify for?
- What happens when the payment period ends?
- How does carer's leave protect my job while I am caring?
Official sources
We summarise. The organisations below are the authority on current rules, rates and thresholds.
- Department of Social Protection — Carer's payments and supports
Open the official source - Citizens Information Board — Citizens Information — older people and carers
Open the official source