Carer’s Allowance Boost For Social Welfare Recipients

People in receipt of social welfare income can now qualify for up to half the carer’s allowance and still hold onto their primary social welfare payment, according to the Minister for Older People,

North Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Máire Hoctor. ‘This new initiative was announced in last December’s Budget and comes into effect on Thursday,

People in receipt of social welfare income can now qualify for up to half the carer’s allowance and still hold onto their primary social welfare payment, according to the Minister for Older People, North Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Máire Hoctor.

‘This new initiative was announced in last December’s Budget and comes into effect on Thursday, September 27. Until now, a carer could receive either the carer’s allowance or another social welfare income.

‘This has now changed and many carers in North Tipperary should now enquire whether they’re entitled to benefit under the new rules. For example, if a widow is caring for an elderly parent or a member of the family with a disability, she may now be able to get half the carer’s allowance and still hold onto her widow’s pension. Day in day out, carers carry out invaluable work in our communities and save taxpayers’ millions of euro each year. Their work is now being properly rewarded. ‘I’m delighted that the carer’s allowance is being extended to include people already on a social welfare income. People who feel they may be eligible under the new rules should contact the Department of Social and Family Affairs information services on 1890 66 22 44 or visit www.welfare.ie.

‘I’d urge anyone who works as a carer in any capacity to examine the scheme’s rules to establish whether they might benefit from the new initiative,’ said Minister Hoctor.