Major expansion of Carer’s Allowance to take effect this week – O’Shea

Changes to the means test for Carer’s Allowance will see thousands more carers qualify for the payment, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The weekly income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance payment will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner.

Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has obtained figures which show that 5,280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment as a result of the changes. In addition to this, it is expected that many more carers will now qualify for the payment for the first time under the higher income limits.

Speaking on the matter, Deputy O’Shea said: “This is a positive change to the Carer’s Allowance which was announced in Budget 2025 and takes effect this week.

“It will mean that 5280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment. I am delighted that this includes 697 carers in Cork.

“There have been significant changes to the Carers Allowance means test in recent years with the income disregard increased by €292.50 for a single person and €585 for a couple since 2022.

“It has been confirmed to me that the further increase in the income limits this week will mean that 99% of people receiving Carer’s Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment.

“In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment.

“Our carers play a vital role in our society and we need to support them. This is a welcome step, but we need to go further. The Programme for Government commits to phasing out the means test entirely during the lifetime of this Government.

“I am calling on the Minister to build on the strong work in this area in recent years and outline the roadmap for phasing out the means test.”