Over 5,600 Donegal carers will each receive a €2,000 Carer’s Support Grant today
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, announced 138,000 carers across the country will qualify for the payment.
The grant is not taxable and is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
The rate of the Carer’s Support Grant has been increased this year by €150, from €1,850 to €2,000 – its highest ever level.
The overall cost of the grant being paid today is €313 million.
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers.
Over 16,000 carers are providing care for two or more people and will receive a grant in respect of each person they are caring for.
Announcing the payment, Minister Calleary said the grant this year has been increased by €150, to €2,000, its highest level ever.
“This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society,” he said.
“The Grant will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for.
“As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise the crucial role family carers play in our society. You dedicate yourselves to providing care to support your loved ones and I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in our local communities.”
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid automatically to all recipients of Carer’s Allowance (whether full-rate or half-rate), Carer’s Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers who are not receiving any of these payments.
Further information on the Carer’s Support Grant is available at www.gov.ie/csg.
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