Carers Benefit

This is a short term payment made to insured people who leave employment temporarily to provide full time care to someone. For more information, contact Comhairle (see links page).

Who qualifies

You must have 156 PRSI contributions paid (Class A, B, C, D, E or H) and

• 39 contributions paid in the relevant tax year or
• 39 contributions paid in the 12 months immediately before start of Carer's Benefit or
• 26 contributions paid in the relevant tax year and 26 paid in the relevant tax year prior to that.

Working

Conditions are basically the same as the conditions which apply to the Carer's Allowance above. The maximum weekly earnings allowed for a person caring is €270.

Payment

This is paid for up to 15 months and increases are paid for child dependants. From May 2006 payment is up to 24 months. An additional 50% is paid if looking after more than one person.

How to apply

Carer's Allowance Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Ballinalee Rd, Longford Ph: 043 40000 or 01 7043000