“Significantly More to Qualify for Carer’s Allowance Than Ever Before” – Deputy Martin Daly
Published on: 03 July 2025
Major Increase to Carer’s Allowance Income Limits Will Benefit Families over 5,200 families from today, July 3rd.
“Carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital and often unseen support to our loved ones, friends, and neighbours. Their tireless dedication deserves more than just words; it requires real, practical action” said Fianna Fáil TD, and party Spokesperson on Health and Disability.
From Thursday, July 3rd, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary will implement an increase to the income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance. The weekly disregard will rise from €450 to €625 for single carers, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner. This reform will extend eligibility for the Carer’s Allowance to more people than ever before, while many existing recipients will see an increase in their payments. The change represents an 88 percent rise in income thresholds since June 2022, reflecting Fianna Fáil’s continued commitment to supporting carers in a meaningful and practical way.
There will be a significant increase in the number of carers receiving the allowance, furthermore, carers currently receiving the allowance will see their weekly payments increase.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy Daly said:
“We all know the vital role carers play across our county and country. It is only right that their invaluable work is properly recognised and supported.
Starting today, people will receive the Carer’s Allowance for the first time, and more will see their payments increase. This is a meaningful step that will ease pressure on families and acknowledge the crucial role carers have in our community.”
As announced in Budget 2025, these changes mean a carer in a two-adult household earning up to €69,000 will now receive the full Carer’s Allowance, while those with incomes up to €97,000 may still qualify for a partial payment. From July, 99% of current recipients will qualify for the full-rate payment.
The Carer’s Allowance supports over 100,000 carers across Ireland. In 2025, spending on this allowance is expected to exceed €1.24 billion. In addition, the Department of Social Protection provides non-means-tested supports such as the Carer’s Benefit and the annual Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000, which was recently paid to more than 138,000 carers on June 5th.
“This is not the final step, but real progress towards Fianna Fáil’s commitment to abolish the means test for Carer’s Allowance,” Deputy Daly said. “I look forward to working closely with the Minister to continue strengthening support for our careers in the future.
“We know carers across the country deserve more than just our thanks; they deserve real, practical support. That is we are taking action and delivering meaningful improvements. This increase is part of our continued commitment to supporting the vital work carers do in homes and communities every day.”
-ENDS-
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Deputy Martin Daly
