You can get Carer's Benefit for up to 2 years for each person being cared for. You may get this in a single period or in separate periods adding up to 2 years. Because you get the payment for each person being cared for, some care periods may overlap.
There is no minimum period for claiming Carer's Benefit. However, if you claim Carer's Benefit for less than 6 weeks for a person you are caring for, you cannot claim it for the same person again until 6 weeks have passed.
Death of the person being cared for
If the person you are caring for dies within the 2 year period, you will continue to get Carer's Benefit for 6 weeks after their death.
You may also get a Bereavement Grant. You can get more information on this from your local Social Welfare Office or by phoning:
Telephone: (043) 3340000
LoCall: 1890 927 770
If calling from outside the Republic of Ireland please call: +353 43 3340000.