Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:198. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of restoring the respite grant to its highest historical level. [27809/20]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
198. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of restoring the respite grant to its highest historical level. [27809/20]
View answerThe Carer’s Support Grant (formerly called the Respite Care Grant) is an annual payment for carers who look after people in need of full-time care and attention.
The grant is paid in a single annual lump sum, usually on the first Thursday in June. The grant is not means-tested and is not taxable. It is paid in respect of each care recipient.
It is paid:
- automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance; and
- to others who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attention.
The Carer's Support Grant is currently paid at a rate of €1,700 per year, which is the highest rate at which it has been paid since it was first introduced in 1999.