€2,000 grant for more than 4,000 carers

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has announced that the annual Carer’s Support Grant is being paid this week to more than 147,000 carers.

The annual grant which stands at €2,000 per care recipient, 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 grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for. More than 18,000 carers are providing care for two or more people and will receive a grant for each person they are caring for.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the Carer’s Support Grant being paid this week to 4,283 carers in Cavan and Monaghan.

"Carers provide an invaluable service in our local communities, supporting older people and people with disabilities with dedication and dignity. This year's grant will provide meaningful financial support to carers in Cavan and Monaghan."

The grant is paid automatically to people receiving Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance. It's also available to other full-time carers who are not receiving any of these payments.

Minister Calleary increased the grant to €2,000 as part of ongoing improvements to supports for carers. Deputy Smith added: "The increase to the grant by Minister Calleary is a recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society."