€500 payment to support almost 5,000 Donegal carers

Almost 500 Donegal carers and their families will receive a €500 lump sum payment this week to support them with the cost of living challernges.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal TD, Charlie McConalogue, today confirmed a €500 lump sum payment. Donegal has received one of the highest allocations.

This payment is one of eight lump sum payments designed to support families and households over the winter months.

The €500 Carer’s Support payment will be received in Carer’s bank accounts on Thursday, costing a total of €57.3 million nationally.

Announcing the details Minister McConalogue's cabinet colleague, Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD said she was very pleased to see this money come through.

“This payment is in addition to the annual Carers Support Grant of €1,850 paid earlier this year.

“Thank you to all Donegal carers for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in our local communities. Your commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support are hugely important and are greatly appreciated.”

The payment is being made automatically to people receiving a Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance payment.

Those who received the annual Carer's Support Grant in June and who have confirmed that they are still caring will also receive the €500 lump sum payment.

The annual Carers Support Grant is paid 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.