Support grant to be paid out to 132,000 carers across the country

The grant of €1,850, will be issued directly to people’s bank account or post office on Thursday.

It is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.

Minister Humphreys said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in all our local communities.

“The carer’s support grant was increased to €1,850 as the first of a number of improvements I have introduced in recent years in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.”

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – June 5th

The overall cost of the grant being paid this week is €275 million, with Dublin having the highest number of recipients at 29,556, followed by Cork (15,650) and Limerick (7,023).

The carer’s support grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers.

Almost 15,000 carers are providing care for two or more people and will receive a grant in respect of each person they are caring for.

The carer’s support grant is paid automatically to to all recipients of carer’s allowance (whether full rate or half rate), carer’s benefit, or domiciliary care allowance.

It is also available to other full-time carers who are not receiving any of these payments.

The department also outlined that carers do not qualify for the carer’s support grant if they are working, self-employed, or on a training or education course for more than 18.5 hours a week.

Carers will also not qualify for the grant if they are getting Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit, signing on for credited contributions or living in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution

“Your commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support is hugely important and is greatly appreciated,” the minister added.