Louth carers to benefit as income limits raised for carer’s allowance
Changes from 3rd July will increase payments for 184 Louth carers
Carers in Louth are set to benefit from a boost in financial support, as new changes to the Carer’s Allowance come into effect from Thursday, July 3rd. Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the reform, which will raise income thresholds and extend eligibility to some families. The move will see 184 existing recipients in Louth receive increased weekly payments, while others will now qualify for the allowance for the first time.
“Carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital and often unseen support to our loved ones, friends, and neighbours. Their tireless dedication deserves more than just words; it requires real, practical action” said Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fáil TD for Louth.
From Thursday, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary will implement an increase to the income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance. The weekly disregard will rise from €450 to €625 for single carers, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner. This reform will extend eligibility for the Carer’s Allowance to more people than ever before, while many existing recipients will see an increase in their payments.
The Fianna Fail TD said that in Louth, there will be a significant increase in the number of carers receiving the allowance, furthermore, 184 carers currently receiving the allowance will see their weekly payments increase.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy McGreehan said:
“We all know the vital role carers play across our county and country. It is only right that their invaluable work is properly recognised and supported.
"Starting Thursday, 184 families in Louth currently receiving Carer's Allowance will benefit from this change to the income thresholds while others will now be eligible for the Allowance for the first time. This is a meaningful step that will ease pressure on families and acknowledge the crucial role carers have in our community.”
“This is not the final step, but real progress towards Fianna Fáil’s commitment to abolish the means test for Carer’s Allowance,” Deputy McGreehan said. “I look forward to working closely with the Minister to continue strengthening support for our careers in the future.
“We know carers across Louth deserve more than just our thanks; they deserve real, practical support. That is we are taking action and delivering meaningful improvements. This increase is part of our continued commitment to supporting the vital work carers do in homes and communities every day.”