Carer’s allowance acts as a primary income support for those with an income need.
The social protection system of primary income supports generally operates on a principle of one person- one payment.
Exceptions to this are typically explicitly provided in enabling legislation. In the case of carers, legislation provides that a carer may be entitled to an extra half-rate carer’s allowance if they care for more than one person and an annual carer’s support for each care recipient. This reflects the practical needs of households where a person may be caring for more than one member of the family at the same time.
The person receiving care may also be receiving other income supports from my Department.
The current personal rate of carer’s allowance is €214 per week and if caring for more than one person this increases to €314 per week. An annual non means tested carer’s support grant of €1,700 is also paid, in respect of each care recipient, on the first Thursday in June.
Legislation also provides that carers can continue to receive carer’s allowance at half the weekly rate if they are in receipt of another weekly social welfare payment. They are also entitled to free travel and if residing with the care recipient may also receive the household benefits package.
The income supports that carers receive from my Department are among the highest rates in the social protection system and the income disregard and means test for carers is the most generous in the social welfare system.
I hope that this answers the Deputy’s question.