Respite Care Grant
The Respite Care Grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people who need full-time care and attention. It is paid for each person you care for full-time.
You do not need to apply for a Respite Care Grant. It will be paid automatically in June where any of the following are being paid:
- Carer's Allowance,
- Carer's Benefit,
- Domiciliary Care Allowance,
- Constant Attendance Allowance, or
- Prescribed Relatives Allowance.
The amount of this grant is €1,700 (June 2011). It is paid for each person you are caring for if you satisfy other conditions.
Note
If you do not qualify for Carer's Allowance because your means are too high, you may still qualify for the Respite Care Grant for each person you care for if you satisfy other qualifying conditions. You should complete application form RCG 1.
For more information, log on to 'www.welfare.ie'.
Free Schemes
If you qualify for Carer's Allowance, you also qualify for:
- a Free Travel Pass for yourself,
- Electricity or Natural Gas or Bottled Gas Refill Allowance,
- a Free Television Licence, and
- Telephone Allowance.
Fuel Allowance
The person you are caring for may be entitled to claim this allowance.
For more information, log on to 'www.welfare.ie'.