Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Where a carer is in receipt of a social welfare payment (other than jobseeker payments or supplementary welfare allowance) or is being claimed as a qualified adult on their spouse’s, civil partner’s or cohabitant’s social welfare payment, and also qualifies for CA, the allowance is paid at up to half the normal rate.
I can advise the Deputy that as of 31st May 2020 there were 87,270 customers in receipt of Carer's Allowance. Of these -
- 47,882 customers were in receipt of the full rate Carer's Allowance.
- 39,388 customers were in receipt of the half rate Carer's Allowance.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.