Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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282. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the income disregards applicable to applicants for carer’s allowance and in particular in terms of spouse's employment income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32229/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to people with disabilities who require full-time care and attention and whose income falls below certain limits.

The means test that applies to applicants for CA, assesses any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, including any property, (except their own home) or any asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions and benefits from another country.

In calculating means from employment for the carer and their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, deductions are allowed for Employee PRSI, Superannuation, AVC, PRSA, Union dues and reasonable travel costs.

If a carer is married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, the first €665.00 of the combined weekly income is disregarded, when assessing means. This is the most generous disregard in respect of spouse/partner income of any of the Department’s means tested schemes.