Minister Heather Humphreys confirms annual grant for carers

An annual grant for carers and their families nationwide has been announced.

This means that 125,000 carers and their families will now receive an annual grant of €1,850 in added support. This is part of a €260m package created to recognise the work that carers put in every day.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, announced the payment today as part of the Carer’s Support Grant which will assist 125,000 carers across the country.

While announcing the new grant, Humphreys said: “I am very pleased to announce that over 125,000 carers will receive the annual Carer’s Support Grant of €1,850 this week. This will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes.

“When I became Minister for Social Protection, I increased the Carer’s Support Grant to €1,850. This is part of a suite of measures I introduced in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in supporting those that need help and assistance. As we work towards the next Budget, our carers will be front and centre of my approach as Minister and my ambition is to support them even further.”

She also added that there will be measures put in place to ensure that long-term carers are paid for any gaps in their insurance record.

Humphreys added: “I am also putting in place measures to provide a scheme to ensure that long-term carers are provided with paid contributions for gaps in their social insurance record for the first time in the history of the State. This will enhance State Pension provision for carers who have spent more than 20 years of their lives caring. This is part of our response to the government’s Commission on Pensions – recognising that our long-term carers deserve support in this regard.”

Main photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

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