Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

3 o’clock

The social insurance system recognises the contribution of the recipients of carer's allowance through the system of credited contributions and also through the homemaker's scheme.

Credited contributions or credits are awarded to recipients of carer's allowance who have an underlying entitlement to credits. Recipients of this payment qualify for credits if they have had at least one paid contribution in the previous two years or have had credited contributions in that period. Credits are also awarded to workers who take unpaid carer's leave from work.

Credits protect social insurance entitlements by bridging gaps in employees' social insurance records when they are not in a position to pay PRSI, for example, during periods spent caring. In combination with paid PRSI contributions, credits can help employees to qualify for short-term schemes such as jobseeker's benefit and enhance the level of benefit for long-term schemes. Carers who cease caring can apply for jobseeker’s benefit, but to qualify they need to satisfy the contribution and other conditions for that scheme.

Former carers can also access means-tested payments such as jobseeker's allowance, subject to satisfying qualifying criteria.

All carers, including those who do not qualify for a payment or for credits, may qualify for the homemaker's scheme, which is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for the State contributory pension.

My priority is to make progress on the commitment in the programme for Government regarding the level of support for carers, subject to the resources available.

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