Written answer
Social Welfare Benefits
The Minister said carers reaching pension age can receive a combined payment, while Government prioritises phasing out Carer’s Allowance means testing over changing half-rate payments.
251. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of the hardship caused when carers reach pension age and are in receipt of carer’s allowance; if he understands the impact that transitioning to half carers has on families; if he plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66097/26]
Comment on this
My Department provides a comprehensive range of income supports to carers including Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer's Support Grant. Expenditure on these supports in 2026 is estimated at over €2.2 billion.
In general, a person can only receive one primary social welfare payment at a time. People who qualify for more than one payment usually receive whichever payment is higher. However, because of the important role carers play, an exception applies.
This arrangement allows people receiving certain welfare payments to retain their primary payment and receive up to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance, depending on their means. For example, a person who qualifies for the State Pension can continue to receive up to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance.
Following Budget 2026, a person receiving Carer’s Allowance who qualifies for the full State Pension (Contributory) can move, at age 66, from a €270 per week Carer’s Allowance to a combined payment of €453.30 per week. This is an increased social welfare payment of €183.30 per week as the carer transitions to pension age.
The Government’s current main policy focus in relation to carers is the process of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance, rather than making changes to the half-rate payment. This policy approach is strongly advocated by family carer organisations. Significant improvements were made in July when the weekly income disregard increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of a couple. This means that virtually all those currently in receipt of Carer's Allowance are in receipt of the maximum rate available to them.
The Programme for Government commitments in relation to carers will continue to be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.