Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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52. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she plans to increase the carer's allowance or carer's benefit rates and the income disregard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2041/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending in 2023 is expected to amount to almost €1.6 billion on these payments.

As part of Budget 2022, I introduced significant improvements to the means test for Carer's Allowance. These were the first changes to the means test in 14 years:

- The capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance means assessment was increased from €20,000 to €50,000, aligning it with the capital means test for Disability Allowance.

- For carers who work, the weekly income disregard was increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner.

More recently, as part of Budget 2023, I announced a range of measures, including rate increases, directly benefitting family carers. These include:

- A €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit took effect from January 2023 with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate.

- A €2 increase for each Qualified Child bringing rates to €50 for Over 12s and €42 for Under 12s from January 2023.

- A Cost of Living Double Payment to carers paid in October.

- A €500 Cost of Living payment for people receiving Carer’s Support Grant paid in November.

- Carers received the Christmas Bonus Double Payment in December.

- The Half-rate Carer’s Allowance is now disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance since January 2023.

- Domiciliary Care Allowance increased by €20.50 to €330 per month with effect from January 2023.

- Domiciliary Care Allowance is now available in respect of children with severe illness or disability who remain in hospital for up to six months after birth.

The current rate for Carer’s Allowance is one of the higher rates within the social welfare system. Where a carer is under 66, the maximum weekly rate is €236; where a carer is 66 or over, the maximum weekly rate is €274. For Carer’s Benefit, the maximum weekly rate is currently €237, or at €355.50 where more than 1 person is being cared for.

I will continue to keep the range of supports provided by my Department under review. However, any changes, such as further increases to the rates and income disregards, would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.