THE HIGHEST INCOME disregards and earnings limit in the history of both the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit schemes have been introduced today.

Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary announced the implementation of the changes today, with the measure having been provided for in Budget 2026.

Under the changes, the income disregard for a single carer will increase from €625 to €1,000; for a couple will increase from €1,250 to €2,000; and the income limit for carer’s benefit will increase from €625 to €1,000.

The increase comes into effect today. Almost 2,700 carers will receive an increase.

“Virtually all (99.9%) of those in receipt of carer’s allowance are now being paid the maximum rate of payment,” Calleary’s department said.

Under these changes, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will retain their full carer’s allowance payment.

With an income of €138,000, a carer in the same household will retain a partial payment.

This is an increase from approximately €69,500 and €97,500 respectively, and now covers up to 90% of couple households.

A single carer working part-time can earn up to €50,000 and retain their full carer’s allowance payment. 

The allowance is a weekly social welfare payment to people who care for someone because of their age, disability or illness. It is means tested, and carers must care for the person or persons at least 35 hours per week, over 5 to 7 days.

The rate of payment differs on the number of people cared for and the age of the carer.

If the carer is aged under 66 and caring for one person, it is €270 per week. If the carer is over the age of 66 and caring for one person, it is €308 per week.

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If caring for two or more people and under 66, the rate is €405. If over 66, it is €462.

Calleary said the changes will ensure carers can access needed financial assistance while continuing to provide essential care to their loved ones.

“These increases bring us closer to the government’s commitment of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance over the lifetime of this government,” he said.

“Increasing the income limit for carer’s benefit will enable more carers on a higher income to reduce their hours or leave their employment temporarily to care for a loved one.”