Varadkar urges carers to apply for Government support grant

Family carers still have time to apply for the Government's Carers' Support Grant, which will be paid to 86,000 people later this week, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has said.

The grant is paid automatically to some carers but the Minister urged those who do not automatically qualify to apply.

He said the grant, reduced by €325 during the economic crisis, had been restored to its previous level of €1,700. It was formerly known as the Respite Care Grant.

The annual payment is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a child or adult with a disability, regardless of their means or PRSI contributions.

“This is an important grant which is paid automatically to carers who are already in receipt of schemes like the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance,” Mr Varadkar said. “Other full-time carers who are not eligible for these schemes can also apply for the grant, and I would urge them to make an application.

“Carers who provide full-time care for more than one person may also be entitled to €1,700 for each person.”