Leitrim carers to benefit from new changes to Carer’s Allowance
Over 5,000 carers nationwide, including 40 in Leitrim, will see an increase in their weekly payment as a result of higher income limits.
Recent changes to the means test for Carer’s Allowance will enable more carers in Leitrim to qualify for the payment.
Nationwide, 5,280 carers will see an increase in their weekly payment due to these changes. Additionally, many others are expected to become eligible for the first time under the newly raised income thresholds.
Announced as part of Budget 2025, the amendments to the allowance are set to take effect this week.
The weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will rise from €450 to €625 for single applicants, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner.
Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan welcomed the implementation of these changes.
“It will mean that 5,280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment. I am delighted that this includes 40 carers in Leitrim and 67 in Sligo,” he said.
“The further increase in the income limits this week will mean that 99 percent of people receiving Carer’s Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment.
“In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers in Leitrim and Sligo who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment,” he added.
Deputy Feighan acknowledged the essential role carers play in society and noted that while this is a welcome development, “we need to go further.”