Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
789. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will raise the household income threshold for eligibility for the carer’s allowance to €1,000 a week in view of the fact it has remained at €663 since 1982; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11960/20]
View answer824. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will raise the household income threshold for eligibility for the carer’s allowance to €1,000 a week in view of the fact it has remained at €663 since 1982; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11955/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 824 together.
The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention on a full time basis.
Uniquely in the system, an income disregard of €332.50 per week or €665 for a couple applies to Carer's Allowance.
A couple earning a joint annual income of up to €37,500 can qualify for maximum payment and, given the tapered withdrawal approach, retain a payment of just under half-rate while earning €49,750.
A single person may retain a full-rate payment while having an annual income of just under €19,000, and retain a payment of just under half-rate while having an annual income of €25,400.
In addition, the means test has been eased significantly over the years. As can be seen from the table below, the income disregard for Carer’s Allowance increased by almost 250% from 2000 to 2008.
Changes in Carers Allowance Income Disregard from 2000 - 2008
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Single |
€95 |
€158 |
€191 |
€210 |
€250 |
€270 |
€290 |
€320 |
€332.50 |
|
Couple |
€190 |
€317 |
€382 |
€420 |
€500 |
€540 |
€580 |
€640 |
€665 |
|
Increase |
250% |
My Department also offers other, non-means-tested supports to carers. The Carer’s Support Grant is not mean-tested and is available to all carers who meet the eligibility criteria. The payment is not dependent on a person receiving a weekly carer’s payment. This non-taxable grant of €1,700 is payable annually in June.
I recognise the crucial role that carers play in Irish society and will continue to seek to improve the supports for carers. However, any changes must be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
