Carer's Allowance Ireland 2026 — Up to €284 per week
Carer's Allowance in Ireland
Carer's Allowance pays up to €284 per week to people who provide full-time care to someone who cannot live independently. Here is who qualifies, how the means test works, how much you can earn while claiming, and how to apply.
Carer's Allowance — At a glance
- Rate (under 66)
- €246/week
- Rate (aged 66+)
- €284/week
- Caring for 2 people
- +50% on standard rate
- Carer's Support Grant
- €1,850/year (June)
- Work allowed
- Up to 18.5 hrs/week
- Taxable
- No
- Earnings disregard (from July 2026)
- €1,000/week (single) / €2,000/week (couple)
Key facts — Carer's Allowance 2026
Who qualifies for Carer's Allowance?
- You are aged 18 or over
- You are providing full-time care and attention to a person who needs it due to physical or mental disability
- The person you care for is so incapacitated that they require full-time care and cannot live independently
- You are habitually resident in Ireland
- You satisfy the means test
- You are not employed, self-employed, studying or training for more than 18.5 hours per week outside the home
What counts as "full-time care"?
The person being cared for must be assessed as requiring continuous care — meaning they cannot perform essential daily activities (washing, dressing, moving, cooking) without assistance. This is assessed by:
- A medical certificate (form CR2) — completed by the care recipient's GP confirming the level of disability and care need
- A social welfare officer's visit to assess the care situation in person
Means test for Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance is means-tested. Your weekly means are assessed — but the thresholds are generous for carers.
| Household situation | Weekly income disregard | Cut-off threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Single carer | €625/week earnings disregarded | Contact Intreo |
| Carer with spouse/partner | €1,250/week earnings disregarded (combined) | Contact Intreo |
Income from your qualifying social welfare payment or your care recipient's payment is not assessed. Capital (savings) above €20,000 is assessed at €1/week per €1,000.
Note: From 2 July 2026, the earnings disregard increases to €1,000/week (single carer) and €2,000/week (couple). Contact your Intreo Centre for the exact cut-off threshold that applies to your circumstances.
Working while claiming Carer's Allowance
Since June 2024, carers may work, study or train for up to 18.5 hours per week outside the home while receiving Carer's Allowance. Adequate care must be in place during those hours.
Any earnings from part-time work are assessed in the means test — but the income disregard (€625 for single carers / €1,250 for couples) means many part-time carers can earn without losing their full Allowance.
Carer's Support Grant
If you are receiving Carer's Allowance, you automatically receive the Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 every June. This grant is separate from Carer's Allowance and is also available to full-time carers who are not receiving any other carer payment — but in that case, you must apply for the grant separately using form CSG1.
How to apply for Carer's Allowance
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Get the medical certificate completed (form CR2)
Ask the GP of the person you are caring for to complete form CR2, confirming the level of incapacity and care required. Without this, the application cannot proceed.
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Complete form CARA1
This is the Carer's Allowance application form, available from Intreo Centres or downloadable from gov.ie. Include your personal details, income details, and details of the caring arrangement.
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Submit and await a social welfare officer visit
The Department may send a social welfare inspector to assess the care arrangement at home. Be prepared to explain the daily care routine and the level of dependency of the person you are caring for.
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Receive your decision
If approved, Carer's Allowance is paid weekly directly to your bank account. The Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 is paid automatically every June.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Carer's Allowance in Ireland in 2026?
€246 per week for carers under 66 and €284 per week for carers aged 66 and over. If you care for two or more people, you receive 50% extra on top of the standard rate. The Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 is also paid every June.
Who is eligible for Carer's Allowance?
Carers aged 18+ who provide full-time care to someone with a physical or mental disability, are habitually resident in Ireland, satisfy the means test, and are not working more than 18.5 hours per week.
What does 'full-time care and attention' mean?
The care recipient must be unable to perform normal daily activities (washing, dressing, moving, eating) without continuous assistance. A medical certificate from their GP (form CR2) is required.
Can I work and still receive Carer's Allowance?
Yes — up to 18.5 hours per week outside the home. Earnings are assessed in the means test, but the first €625/week (single) or €1,250/week (couple) is disregarded. From July 2026, these increase to €1,000/week and €2,000/week.
What is the means test for Carer's Allowance?
Your household income above the disregard threshold (€625/week for a single carer, €1,250/week for a couple) counts as assessed means. Income from social welfare payments is generally excluded. Capital above €20,000 is assessed at €1/week per €1,000.
Is Carer's Allowance taxable?
No. Carer's Allowance is not subject to Income Tax, USC or PRSI.
What is the Carer's Support Grant?
A once-off annual payment of €1,850 paid every June. If you're on Carer's Allowance, it is paid automatically. Full-time carers not on Carer's Allowance can apply separately using form CSG1.
- The person you care for does not need to live with you — they can live in a separate home, as long as full-time care is being provided.
- Carer's Allowance is means-tested — but the earnings disregard (€1,000/week from July 2026) means many working carers still qualify in full.
- You can work up to 18.5 hours per week while receiving Carer's Allowance. It does not have to be a zero-income situation.
- The Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 is separate from Carer's Allowance — it is paid automatically in June to everyone on the Allowance. You do not apply for it separately.
- Carer's Allowance is not taxable — unlike many social welfare payments. You will not owe Income Tax on this payment.
- You need a medical certificate (form CR2) from the care recipient's GP — not your own GP. Applications without this form cannot be processed.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Carer's Allowance rates, earnings disregards and eligibility rules.