Written answer
Programme for Government
The Government raised carer payments and income disregards in 2026 but gave no details on further increases or phasing out the means test.
95. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Social Protection the next steps in terms of progressively increasing the weekly rates of Carer's allowance and Carer's Benefit as committed to in the Programme for Government. [67618/26]
Comment on this
The Government recognises the invaluable contribution made by family carers and remains committed to strengthening the supports available to them. Government has provided over €2.2 billion for caring income supports in 2026.
The Programme for Government commits to progressively increase weekly carer payments and to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer's Allowance, with a view to phasing out the means test over the lifetime of this Government. Significant progress has already been made in delivering on these commitments.
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. This compares to €254 for most weekly payments for persons age under 66 years. For Carers aged 66 and over, the maximum weekly rate increased to €308.
As well as these rate increases, the Government has prioritised reform of the Carer's Allowance means test. As part of Budget 2026, the weekly income disregard increased to €1,000 for a single person and €2,000 for a couple, representing an increase of more than 200% since 2022. These changes mean that virtually all recipients of Carer's Allowance now receive the maximum rate of payment.
The Government has also provided a range of other supports for carers and families in recent years, including payment of the Carer's Support Grant which was €2,000 paid in June this year and a €20 increase to Domiciliary Care Allowance this year.
I cannot at this point reveal any information regarding potential budget measures. Discussions are ongoing and, while not everything we want to do can be done in one year, I can assure the Deputy that the Government and I are committed to moving forward on our Programme for Government commitments to Carers.