Written answer
Programme for Government
The Government is phasing out the Carer’s Allowance means test over the Dáil term, beginning with major income-disregard increases, with further changes considered annually.
768. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the phasing out of the carers allowance means test as committed to in the Programme for Government; if there is a timeline for this commitment to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64991/26]
Comment on this
The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers. At the end of August there were just under 111,000 carers receiving this payment.
The Programme for Government commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is well underway. As part of Budget 2026, I announced significant improvements to the means test that were introduced in early July 2026. The weekly income disregard increased by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
These are the largest ever increases in the income disregards., such that more carers are eligible for the scheme and an estimated 2,700 existing carers received an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment. Virtually all carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance are now being paid the maximum rate of payment to which they are entitled. For example, in a two?adult household, a carer can now retain the full payment with a household income of approximately €110,000, and a partial payment up to €138,000.
Removing the means test entirely represents a significant policy shift and there may be further implications beyond the cost alone. For this reason the means test is being abolished in a measured way over the lifetime of this Government.
The improvements delivered to date demonstrate the Government’s determination to meet its commitment to phase out the Carer's Allowance means test over the course of this Dáil term. Any further improvements to the means test will be considered as part of the annual Budgetary process having regard to overall welfare improvements.