Significant changes have been made to the Carer’s Allowance means test, marking the largest ever increase in weekly income disregards as well as allowing more families to qualify for support.
In Galway, 133 carers will recieve increased Carer’s Allowance payments from today. Virtually all Carer’s Allowance recipients will now receive maximum rates of payment.
Nationally, almost 2,700 carers will receive an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment from today, while the higher income limits are also expected to enable more carers to qualify for support in the future.
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, welcomed the announcement, saying:
“At a time when many families are balancing work, caring responsibilities and rising household costs, these changes will make a real difference…
“It is an important step towards ensuring that people are not financially disadvantaged because they choose to care for a family member.”
Minister of State Noel Grealish said, “Family carers save the State enormous sums each year by caring for loved ones at home, and easing the means test recognises the value of that work.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Albert Dolan, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening supports for carers:
“This is another important step towards the long-term goal of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance. We are continuing to build a system that values and supports carers properly, and today’s announcement is a major milestone on that journey.”
