Peadar Tóibín
Question:141 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans regarding the half-rate carer’s allowance; and the changes that she is considering. [28034/12]
View answerTuesday, 12 June 2012
Questions (54)
Written answers
There are some 52,000 people in receipt of carer's allowance from my Department. Of these, almost 22,000 are getting half rate carer's allowance in addition to another social welfare payment. This means that a person with one child who is in receipt of a one parent family payment of €217.80 per week will receive an additional payment of €102 per week while a person in receipt of State pension (contributory) would receive a total payment of €349.80 per week. In addition, they may also qualify for the household benefits package and free travel.
In Budget 2012, the basic rate of carer's allowance and the respite care grant were not reduced. The means test for carer's allowance is one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system. The income disregard is €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. A couple with two children can earn up to €35,400 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance.
In the current economic climate every scheme in my Department must be kept under review, in particular where this involves payments that are additional to a primary weekly payment; however, no decisions have been made in relation to welfare expenditure for next year. These decisions will be made after full consideration by the Government and will be announced on Budget day.