Carer's Benefit: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you qualify for weekly payments if you leave work to provide full-time care for someone else.
The Carer's Benefit is a weekly payment designed for people who leave their employment to provide full-time care for another person.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for employees who make the decision to leave their current job in order to care for someone else on a full-time basis. To qualify for this support, you must have a sufficient record of PRSI contributions. These are the social insurance contributions you pay through your employment that build up your eligibility for various state supports.
What you get
If your application is successful, you will receive a weekly payment of €249. This financial support is intended to help cover the costs associated with leaving the workforce. You can receive this payment for a total duration of up to 104 weeks.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee to apply, there is a requirement regarding your recent employment history. You must have worked for at least 39 weeks during the relevant tax year to meet the necessary contribution threshold. This ensures that the benefit is available to those who have been contributing to the social insurance system through their work.
The catch to know
There is an important restriction regarding other financial supports. You cannot claim this benefit if you are already receiving other social welfare payments. This scheme is intended as a standalone support for those leaving work to care for others, rather than a supplement to existing welfare income.
How to apply
- Verify that you have worked for at least 39 weeks during the relevant tax year to ensure you have enough contributions.
- Confirm that you are not currently receiving any other social welfare payments, as this would disqualify you.
- Prepare to provide details regarding your employment history and the caregiving situation.
- Complete the application process via the official government portal.