Carers

Carer's Allowance is a means-tested payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention on a full time basis. If you are in receipt of another social welfare payment and you are providing someone with full time care and attention you may qualify for a reduced rate of carer’s allowance in addition to your original payment.

Care Sharing

From 14th March 2005, two carers who are providing care on a part-time basis in an established pattern can now be accommodated on the carer's allowance scheme.

Carer's Benefit is a payment for people who have made social insurance contributions and who have recently left the workforce or have reduced their hours of work to 15 hours per week or less and are looking after somebody in need of full-time care and attention. You can get carer’s benefit for a total of 2 years for each person being cared for. You may be eligible for carer’s leave.

The Respite Care Grant is an annual payment for full-time carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain conditions.

Domiciliary Care Allowance

Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a severely disabled child who is under age 16 and needs full-time care and attention far beyond what is normally required by a child of the same age.