Neale Richmond
Ceist:290. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will seek an increase in the single parent carers credit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4007/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 27 January 2022
Ceisteanna (290)
Freagraí scríofa
If the Deputy is referring to the Single Person Child Carer Credit (SPCCC) this credit does not fall under the remit of my Department. It is a tax credit administered by the Revenue Commissioners and under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
The key role of the Department of Social Protection is that of income support. The main income supports to carers provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Spending on these payments in 2022 is expected to be in excess of €1.5 billion. In acknowledgement of the crucial role that family carers play in our society I introduced a number of measures as part of Budget 2022 in relation to supports provided by my Department. These include:
- €5 increase in maximum rate of all core weekly payments including carers, which came into effect this month (January).
- €3 increase for qualified child dependants aged 12 and over and €2 for those up to age 12, in all core weekly payments.
- An increase in the Capital/Savings disregard for Carer’s Allowance from €20,000 to €50,000 from next June.
- An increase in the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance to €350 a week for single carers and to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner, also from June.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance will be paid for children who go into hospital for up to 6 months (formerly 3 months). Carer’s Allowance will also continue to be paid in respect of children who go into hospital for 6 months. This came into effect this month (January).
I trust that the Deputy will find this information useful.