Carer's Allowance

This is one of the main payments for carers. It is a means tested payment for carers on low income who are providing care for someone in need of full-time care.

Who qualifies

You must be:

Aged 18 years or over and satisfy both a means and a habitual residency test.
Living with the person you are looking after, or be providing full time care to a person who is not living with you. Full time care means that the person you are caring for has a severe disability which requires constant supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in tasks such as helping to walk and get about, eating and drinking, wash/bathe, dress etc or need constant supervision in order to avoid danger to themselves.

The person who you are caring for must require full time care and attention for at least 12 months and not normally living in a hospital, home or similar institution and be ages 16 or over or under age 16 where a full rate Domiciliary Care Allowance is being paid.

Working

A carer may

• Work part time as a home help for HSE for up to 10 hours per week or
• Attend an educational or training course or take up voluntary work for up to 10 hours per week or
• Work outside the home for up to 10 hours (to be first cleared with the Department) or Engage in limited self-employment in the home
• From June 2006, the number of hours increases from 10 hours to 15 hours.

Payment

If a carer is caring for more than one person full-time, an additional payment of up to 50% of the maximum personal rate is applicable.

How to apply

Application forms are available from your local Social Welfare Office or from
Carer's Allowance Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Ballinalee Rd, Longford
Ph: 043 40000 or 01 7043000