54. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures being taken to ensure that families who may previously have been ineligible for carer’s allowance are aware of the significant increase in the income disregard introduced in July 2026; whether targeted communications are being issued to previous applicants; and if he will consider a further public information campaign on the revised eligibility criteria. [67569/26]

The Government is committed to supporting Carers and has provided over €2.2 billion for caring income supports in 2026.

Significant progress has been made in phasing out the means test through the substantial increases in the income disregards introduced in July 2026.  My Department is committed to ensuring that carers are aware of these changes and the potential impact on their entitlement.  In relation to targeted communications, specific measures were put in place to ensure that people whose entitlement was affected by the means test were made aware of the increased income disregards.

In the months leading up to the introduction of the new disregards in July 2026, applicants who did not qualify for Carer's Allowance on means grounds, or who qualified for payment at a reduced rate, received a decision setting out their entitlement under both the previous income disregards and the new increased disregards.  This allowed applicants to see directly how the changes would affect their individual entitlement.

In addition, existing Carer's Allowance recipients who were receiving a reduced rate of payment because of their means did not need to contact the Department.  Their entitlement was automatically reassessed using the increased income disregards and, where appropriate, their rate of payment was automatically increased.

Anyone who previously did not qualify for Carer's Allowance, and who considers that they may now satisfy the qualifying conditions, is encouraged to submit a new application so that their current circumstances can be assessed under the revised income disregards.

Information on eligibility criteria and payment schemes is available through gov.ie, MyWelfare and Intreo services.  The Department also works closely with family carer organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that information on changes to the scheme is widely accessible.  Events such as the Annual Carers Forum and other engagement opportunities are used to highlight these changes and encourage carers to check their eligibility for available supports.