The largest ever increase to the income disregards for the Carer’s Allowance means test comes into effect today, with more carers across County Louth set to benefit from the changes.
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, said the new measures will allow more carers to qualify for Carer’s Allowance while enabling existing recipients to earn more without losing their payment.
A total of 69 Carer’s Allowance recipients in County Louth will receive an increase in their payment from today as a result of the changes. As of the end of the end of May, 3,436 people in the county currently receive Carer’s Allowance.
Deputy McGreehan said:
“Family carers provide an invaluable service every day, supporting loved ones with dedication, compassion and commitment. Their work allows thousands of people to remain living independently in their own homes and communities, and they deserve recognition and practical support.
“This is the largest increase ever made to the Carer’s Allowance income disregards and I hope it will make a difference for carers across our community. By significantly increasing the income limits, more people will qualify for support while existing recipients can continue working or increase their hours without losing the payment they rely on.
“These changes recognise the enormous contribution carers make every day and provide greater financial certainty for families who dedicate so much of their lives to caring for loved ones.”
The new measures increase the weekly income disregard for a single person from €625 to €1,000 and for a couple from €1,250 to €2,000, representing the largest increase in the history of the scheme.
Nationally, 2,696 carers will receive higher Carer’s Allowance payments from today, while almost all recipients are now entitled to the maximum rate of payment. The revised income thresholds also mean significantly more families will qualify for Carer’s Allowance for the first time.
Deputy McGreehan said the measures also deliver on a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
“The Programme for Government commits to progressively increasing carers’ payments, further increasing the Carer’s Support Grant, examining supports for carers providing full-time care to more than one person, and significantly increasing the income disregards in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance over the lifetime of this Government.
“I want to commend Minister Calleary for delivering these important changes, which I hope will have a positive impact for carers across our community. Today’s measures are another important step towards delivering on our commitment to ensuring carers receive the support, recognition and financial security they deserve.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
