These changes will see thousands more people qualify for the Carer's Allowance payment.
The earnings threshold to qualify for the means-tested Carer’s Allowance has increased slightly and comes into effect from today, widening the number of people who will be entitled to the payment.
The allowance, which is given to some people looking after someone who requires support because of age, a disability, or illness, is means-tested.
The weekly income disregard – that is, the earnings that are ‘disregarded’ in an application for the allowance – is increasing 5% from €332.50 to €350 for a single person.
For a couple, the weekly disregard is rising to €750.
Additionally, the amount of savings people can have has also been increased from €20,000 to €50,000 .
The changes are coming into effect today to coincide with the payment of the annual Carer’s Support Grant.
The grant remains this year at €1,850.
Fine Gael Kildare South TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon commented:“ 4,804 carers in County Kildare will be paid the annual Carer’s Support Grant from tomorrow.
"The annual grant of €1,850 was increased by Minister Humphreys in her first budget as Minister for Social Protection, in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.
“It is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
"It will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and those on Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes.
“I know from meeting many Kildare carers as part of my daily work that it can be a very difficult role but one they take on with compassion and commitment to look after family members.
"Covid in particular was difficult for them and I recognise that and want to ensure their needs are highlighted and addressed," concluded Minister Heydon.
Minister Heather Humphreys, says carers were placed under additional stress during the pandemic:
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