Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
17. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review means testing for the carer’s allowance including a review of the removal of means testing requirements to qualify for these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50414/22]
View answerThe Government recognises the important role that family carers play in Irish society and is fully committed to supporting them through a range of payments and services.
The main income supports to carers provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carers Support Grant. Spending on these payments in 2022 is expected to exceed €1.5 billion.
The means test for Carer’s Allowance not only ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need but that resources are targeted to those with the greatest need.
Based on the number of carers identified as part of Census 2016, it is estimated that a universal, non-means tested, carer’s payment could cost an additional €1.2 billion per annum. In Budget 2022, I announced significant improvements to the means test for Carer’s Allowance. The weekly income disregard was increased from €332.50 to €350 a week for single carers and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse or partner. These are the highest income disregards in the social welfare system and this increase enables more carers with modest incomes to become eligible for the scheme.
The capital disregard was also increased from €20,000 to €50,000. This allows carers who have accumulated savings to retain an entitlement to Carer's Allowance. These changes, which came into effect in June this year, were the first changes that had been made to the Carer's Allowance means test in 14 years.
As part of the Budget 2023 cost of living package, Carer's Allowance recipients will benefit from two double week payments valued, for full-time carers at a minimum of €448 as well as a €500 lump sum, over the coming months. There will also be an increase of €12 in the weekly payment from January.
Given the need to target available resources fairly and equitably to those in most need, any further changes to the Carer's Allowance means test would have to be considered in an overall policy and Budgetary context.
I and my officials will continue to meet and discuss issues facing carers through our ongoing bilateral discussions with the community and voluntary sector and representative groups.
