249. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase the weekly rate of carer's allowance and carer's benefit to €325 to recognise the additional cost of providing full-time care in a cost of living crisis. [65994/26]

The Government recognises the vital role that family carers play and remains committed to supporting them. The Programme for Government includes commitments to progressively increase weekly Carer’s payments.

Carer’s Allowance is the main income support for carers, with almost 111,000 people receiving the payment at an estimated cost of over €1.4 billion this year. As part of Budget 2026, a range of measures to support carers were announced, including increases to payment rates.

In January 2026 there was a €10 increase in the maximum personal rate of Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit to €270 and €271, respectively, for carers aged under 66. For those aged 66 and over, the maximum weekly rate for Carer’s Allowance is now €308.

Significant progress has been made on phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance. As part of Budget 2026, and with effect from July, 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 a couple. The earnings limit for Carer’s Benefit was also increased to €1,000 per week after tax.

These changes mean that virtually all those currently in receipt of Carer's Allowance are in receipt of the maximum rate. Since July, an estimated 2,700 carers have received an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment as a result of these changes. The disregards for Carer’s Allowance remain, by far the highest income disregards in the social welfare system, higher than those for any other weekly payment.

Further improvements, including the level of weekly payments, will be considered as part of the annual budget process having regards to costs and overall welfare improvements.