Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed significant changes to the Carer’s Allowance means test, which will see 133 carers in Galway receive an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment from today.

The changes represent the largest ever increase in the weekly income disregards for Carer’s Allowance and will also allow more families to qualify for support for the first time.

From today, the weekly income disregard for a single person has increased from €625 to €1,000, while the disregard for a couple has increased from €1,250 to €2,000. The income limit for Carer’s Benefit has also increased from €625 to €1,000.

The changes mean that virtually all Carer’s Allowance recipients are now receiving the maximum rate of payment.

A carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 can now retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment, while a single carer working part-time can earn up to €50,000 and still qualify for the full payment.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “Family carers make an enormous contribution every day, providing care and support to loved ones that allows people to remain living in their own homes and communities. This is valuable work that deserves recognition and practical support.”

“I’m particularly pleased that 133 carers in Galway will benefit from these increases from today. At a time when many families are balancing work, caring responsibilities and rising household costs, these changes will make a real difference.”

“By significantly increasing the income disregards, more carers will qualify for support while others will be able to earn more without losing their payment. It is an important step towards ensuring that people are not financially disadvantaged because they choose to care for a family member.”

“The Government has made strengthening supports for carers a priority. This was also a priority for me entering Government. These changes build on measures already introduced, including increases to the Carer’s Support Grant, extending Carer’s Benefit to the self-employed and making Carer’s Allowance a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance where the relevant conditions are met.”

Nationally, almost 2,700 carers will receive an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment from today, while the higher income limits are also expected to enable more carers to qualify for support in the future.