Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit in Ireland: Which One Applies to You
Ireland has two main weekly carer payments: Carer’s Allowance, which is means-tested, and Carer’s Benefit, which is based on your PRSI contributions and paid for up to 104 weeks per care recipient. Both are paid by the Department of Social Protection and both require that you provide full-time care and attention to someone who needs it. Weekly rates change with each Budget — check the current rate on gov.ie before you rely on a figure.
Carer’s Allowance in short
- • Means-tested — your income and your spouse or partner’s income are assessed
- • No PRSI record needed
- • Paid for as long as the care and means conditions continue to be met
- • You may keep a portion while working or studying limited hours each week
Carer’s Benefit in short
- • Not means-tested — based on your PRSI contribution record
- • You must have been in employment for a required period immediately before starting care, and leave or reduce that employment
- • Paid for a maximum of 104 weeks per person being cared for
- • Can be taken in one continuous block or in separate periods
The care condition for both payments
The person you care for must need full-time care and attention because of age, disability, or illness, and a medical certificate confirms this. You must live with them or be able to reach them quickly through a direct communication link. Limited hours of work, study, or training each week are permitted provided suitable care is arranged in your absence.
Related supports
- • Carer’s Support Grant: an annual payment made automatically to people getting Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, and available on application to other full-time carers
- • Half-rate Carer’s Allowance: may be payable alongside certain other social welfare payments
- • Domiciliary Care Allowance: a monthly payment for a child under 16 with a severe disability requiring care substantially beyond that of a child the same age
- • Carer’s Leave: unpaid statutory leave that protects your job while you care
How to apply
- • Use form CR1 for Carer’s Allowance or CARB1 for Carer’s Benefit
- • A doctor completes the medical report section for the person being cared for
- • Include proof of income and, for Carer’s Benefit, details of your employment
- • Apply as soon as care begins — backdating is limited
Official sources
Not sure which payment fits your situation? Try the benefits checker.