By Erica Carter

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There’s a major payment is set for an increase in the upcoming budget – the Carer’s Allowance.

Thousands more people are also expected to qualify for the vital weekly payment under plans for Budget 2026.

The Coalition is starting the move towards abolishing means testing of the Carer’s Allowance. Budget 2026 will see the income thresholds raised by €200 for a single person and €400 for a couple, the Irish Independent has reported.

The Carer’s Support Grant, an annual payment made to carers every summer, will also rise by €100. It was increased in last year’s budget, bringing it to a current rate of €2,000.

The exact amount that the Carer’s Allowance is expected to increase by is yet to be confirmed, although a €12 increase in weekly social welfare rates across the board is expected to announced on Tuesday.

Here’s everything you need to know about Carer’s Allowance and how you can apply.

Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?

You can get Carer’s Allowance if you care full-time for someone who is:

Aged 16 or over, and who is so incapacitated that they need full-time care and attention for at least 12 months, or Aged under 16, and for whom you get Domiciliary Care Allowance.

As well as providing full-time care, you must:

Be aged 18 or over Be habitually resident in Ireland Not be employed, self-employed, doing voluntary work, training, or any education courses for more than 18.5 hours a week Not live in a hospital, convalescent home, or a similar institution Pass a means test

How is income assessed?

Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment.

In a means test, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) looks at all your sources of income. They also look at your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant’s income. To qualify, your combined weekly income must be below a certain amount.

Your rate of Carer’s Allowance may be reduced depending on your weekly means.

The DSP looks at your cash income (such as payment from work), that you or your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may have.

Some cash income is not included in the means test, including certain income from renting a room in your home.

To get your total weekly means, the DSP adds your sources of assessable income (such as cash and capital) together.

How to apply

To apply for Carer’s Allowance, download and fill in an application form for Carer’s Allowance (CR1) (pdf).

You can also get this form from:

Your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, or Your local Citizens Information Centre.