Louth senator urges long-term carers in the county to register for Long-Term Carers Contributions.  

Fianna Fáil Senator in Louth, Erin McGreehan, has encouraged eligible long-term carers in Louth to register for Long-Term Carers Contributions.  

From 1st January 2024, under a new government scheme, fulltime carers caring for 20+ years will be given Long-Term Carer Contributions. Long-Term Carer Contributions will be treated in the same way as PRSI paid through employment. 

To qualify for Long-Term Carer Contributions, a person, while providing care, must have lived permanently in the State, been aged between 16 and 66, not been in employment, self-employment, voluntary work, training/education for more than 18.5 hours a week, not been getting a weekly social welfare payment, except for Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, DCA or the Carer’s Support Grant and lived with or reasonably close to the person being cared for and provided full-time care. 

Senator McGreehan said: “The new scheme from government to provide long-term carers the Contributory Pension is a hugely positive move that recognises the importance of carers and the work that they do.

"It will help ensure that thousands of people, mainly women, who have spent time caring for loved ones will now be able to qualify for the Contributory State Pension. 

“The quickest way to apply for a long-term carers contribution is online at MyWelfare.ie.

"I encourage all people in Louth that are caring for somebody full time to register their caring periods at MyWelfare.ie, so that in cases where they have cared for a loved one for over 20 years, their pension entitlement reflects their important contribution to their family and to society by the time they reach pension age. 

“Even if you are not a long-term carer, it is important to register your caring periods at MyWelfare.ie, even if you are receiving a care-related social welfare payment, have cared for a shorter period of time or continue to provide care.”