Major changes to Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit payments take effect
As of July 3, the Carer's Allowance income disregard has increased. The income limit for the Carer's Benefit has also increased since the beginning of the month.
The Allowance is a weekly social welfare payment to people caring for someone due to age; disability or illness while the Benefit is pay for those who have had to leave or reduce their working hours in order to care for someone. Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit recipients are being warned of changes to the payments which came in earlier in the month. Pic: Getty Images
To qualify for Carer's Allowance, your income must be below a certain amount and will be assessed by the Department of Social Protection.
The DSP adds all sources of assessable income together to get your total means.
As of July 3, if you are single and receiving the allowance, €625 of your total weekly income is not taken into account, while it will be the first €1,250 of your combined total weekly income for couples. To qualify for Carer's Allowance, your income must be below a certain amount and will be assessed by the Department of Social Protection. Pic: Getty Images
If your means if over a certain amount, you may be entitled to a reduced rate of the Allowance, similarly if you are in receipt for another social welfare payment you may get reduced Carer's Allowance.
If you think you are eligible for this payment, you will need to fill in the Carer's Allowance (CR1) form.
To be eligible for Carer's Benefit you must be over 16 and have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions. You can get the benefit for two years for each person you are caring for.
Neither your nor the person you are caring for can live in a hospital in order for you to be eligible for the Benefit, and the person must also require full-time care.
Previously, eligibility required recipients to not earn more than €450 per week after tax.
As of July 3, this has been increased to €625.
To apply for Carer's Benefit, the Carer's Benefit (CARB1) form needs to be filled in.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
New CSO data shows the areas with the highest and lowest birth rates in Ireland
Glenties in Co Donegal had the lowest birth rate in 2022, while Tallaght in Dublin experienced the highest birth rate during the same period, new figures show. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released Births and Deaths at Local Electoral Areas (LEA) 2022, which shows that nationally, the birth rate stood at 10.2 per 1,000 of population in 2022. Tallaght in south Dublin, which saw a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 people, Enniscorthy in Co Wexford at a rate of 13.3 and Fingal at a rate of 13.2 were the LEAs with the highest birth rates. Glenties at a rate of 7.4, Killiney-Shankill in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown at 7.6 and Galway city at 7.6 were the LEAs with the lowest birth rates in 2022. Of the 54,483 births which occurred in 2022, north inner city in Dublin was the LEA with the highest number of births at 701. The CSO has been collating and analysing significant life events for decades. The CSO said that it observed for the first time an increase in the number of LEAs which are recording a greater number of deaths than births. Looking at the 166 LEAs during the period from 2019 to 2021, three LEAs on average witnessed more deaths than births. However, in 2022, the number of LEAs which recorded more deaths than births had risen to 15. Taking the LEA of Belmullet, Co Mayo, as an example, it was one of the LEAs which recorded the lowest number of births in 2022 and had the highest crude death rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people. As a result of recording some of the lowest birth rates in the country and the highest crude death rate in 2022, it topped the list of the 15 LEAs which had the highest negative natural increase rate in 2022, at -2.9. Negative natural increases indicates that more deaths than births have been recorded. Looking at the overall figures, there were 35,804 deaths in Ireland in 2022, with the LEAs of Artane-Whitehall, Dublin City (553), Ballymun-Finglas (517) and Clontarf (509) recording the highest number of deaths. In contrast, Granard, Co Longford (85), Milford, Co Donegal (85) and Leixlip, Co Kildare (86) recorded some of the lowest numbers of deaths. The general fertility rate is defined as the number of births by women aged 15-49, relative to the population of women aged 15-49. The fertility rate stood at 42.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2022 (stock image) (Image: Getty Images) This differs from the birth rate, which looks at the entire population in an area, while the fertility rate only focuses on women. Nationally, the fertility rate stood at 42.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2022. Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (57.0), Newcastle West, Co Limerick (53.5), Loughrea, Co Galway, Tramore-Waterford City West, Co Waterford and Moate, Co Westmeath (all 52.9) were the LEAs with the highest general fertility rate in 2022. Urban LEAs such as Galway city (27.8), south-east inner city in Dublin (29.7) and north inner city in Dublin (31.6) had the lowest general fertility rate per 1,000 women. The figures show that there were 35,804 deaths across Ireland in 2022 with Artane-Whitehall, Dublin City, recording the highest proportion of deaths at 1.5 per cent or 553 deaths. Belmullet, Co Mayo, was the LEA with the highest crude death rate per 1,000 at 11.5 deaths per 1,000 of population, while Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal, recorded the lowest at 2.8. In terms of cause of death, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, had the highest crude death rate due to diseases of the circulatory system, which encompass heart attacks and strokes, at 361.7 per 100,000, while Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal, had the lowest at 66.8 per 100,000 for this cause of death. Looking at births and deaths together allows the calculation of the natural increase, which is the number of births minus the number of deaths. The natural increase does not take account of inward or outward migration. Nationally, the natural increase for 2022 stood at 18,679 and the rate of natural increase stood at 3.5. However, this varied significantly across LEAs. The LEAs with the highest natural increase rates in 2022 were Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal (9.7), Ongar, Fingal (9.7), and Tallaght South, South Dublin (9.6). In LEAs such as Ennistimon, Co Clare (0.2), and Lismore, Co Waterford (0.0), the rate of natural increase was close to neutral. Looking at cause of death across LEAs, the analysis indicates different patterns for the deaths that were recorded. For instance, while the crude death rate due to neoplasms (tumours and cancer) stood at 194.3 per 100,000 of population nationally in 2022, Tralee, Co Kerry, had the highest death rate for this cause at 334.5 per 100,000. For external causes of death, which can include deaths due to suicide, accidents and other external factors, nationally this rate stood at 31.3 per 100,000 in 2022. However, at an LEA level, these crude rates were highest in Castleisland, Co Kerry (70.8), Ballymote-Tobercurry, Co Sligo (69.5), and Skibbereen-West Cork, Cork County (63.0). Sean O'Connor, statistician in the Life Events and Demography Division, said: 'Today's release, which is part of the CSO Frontier Series provides information and evidence on life events such as births and deaths at Local Electoral Area (LEA). 'The population used to calculate rates and present average age at LEA level for 2022 was taken from the Irish Population Estimates from Administrative Data Sources (IPEADS).' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cats are taking over Irish homes - and they're choosing you first
The secret life of Irish cats is revealed in the most comprehensive report yet on the nation's relationship with our feline friends. Retailer Petmania carried out the study, which shows our growing affection for cats and the significant cultural shift in how they're cared for and perceived. Their Petmania Cat Report 2025, based on insights from over 1,500 pet owners and 20 rescue centres, tracks the changing face of cat ownership in Ireland. Some findings include how over half of cat owners (60%) say their moggy just walked into their lives, two-thirds say the cats live with them inside the house and how 45% are not microchipped. Key themes include how cats enter and live in Irish homes, how many are microchipped and looks at their place in every day life. It also addresses misconceptions about cats - negative stereotypes such as the belief that cats are dirty, disloyal, or less affectionate than other pets. A huge majority of cat owners - 93% of respondents - believe cats are widely misunderstood. It found many owners see their cats as far more than just pets, frequently describing them as loyal companions, family members, and sources of comfort and and joy. Cat ownership is thriving across both rural and urban communities across Ireland with 69% of cat owners adopting their pet. It's striking how many cats chose to live with their owner, with over a quarter (26%) saying their cat 'found them.' In this group, 40% came from rescue centres and 34% were found as strays. The remaining 31% either bought them as pedigree breeds (11%) or acquired their cats through other means, likely from family, friends,or neighbours. They are not standoffish at all, says science (stock) (Image: Getty Images/Westend61) Once an outdoor pet, our cats are more likely to live with us than ever before. Two thirds (63%) of cats live indoors while enjoying regular outdoor access, showing how cats are being fully welcomed into the home, becoming part of everyday family life. Launching the new report, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, said: 'The Cat Report is a powerful opportunity to listen to our communities and lead meaningful change for cats across Ireland. 'Cats are deeply loved, but still widely misunderstood. The Cat Report shows how important cats have become to family life and makes the case for giving them the same recognition we afford dogs - as affectionate, loyal, and emotionally intelligent companions. ' Despite evolving attitudes and increasing affection for cats, significant gaps remain in feline safety and identification. The report found that 45% of cats are not microchipped, 66% do not wear collars, and 80% lack identification tags, highlighting the need for greater awareness of pet identification. The report also highlights growing pressure on Ireland's volunteer-run rescue network, with only two centres employing full-time staff. Foster families are in short supply, while centres care for up to 500 stray kittens annually, most of whom are abandoned, surrendered, or born to unneutered strays. Reunification rates range from just 1% to 70%, depending on whether the cat is microchipped or carries identification. Encouragingly, 100% of rescue centres reported vaccinating and neutering cats before adoption, and 40% also microchip them. Supporting the launch of the report, Olivia O'Reilly from Galway Cat Rescue shared: 'We see the heartbreak, but we also see the hope. Every cat we rescue carries a story – some are abandoned, some injured, some simply forgotten. "This report helps the public see just how vital this work is, and how much these animals truly depend on all of us.' Ireland's rescue centres are united in their call for action to better protect cats. They are advocating for mandatory microchipping aligned with dog ownership laws, increased government funding for rescue centres and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes, equal legal recognition of cats as companion animals, and enhanced public education alongside more positive media representation. The Petmania Cat Report was carried out on owners between May and June. Petmania is Ireland's leading pet retailer, with 17 stores nationwide. For more details of the report on The Changing Face of Cat Ownership in Ireland, see Why I love my cat, by Larissa Nolan The biggest reveal in this report is how we don't choose cats - cats choose us. Over a quarter of owners say their cats 'found them' and another third arrived as strays. They wander into our lives and we fall in love with them. If they like us enough, they'll stay. This is what happened with my cat Kray, who popped up at the back door of my new home last year. Kray started coming in, but at first was terrified at the slightest sudden move or noise and would race back out as though being pursued by an axe murderer. Larissa Nolan with her cat Kray I thought she'd never relax around us, but now she loves cuddles, lounges on her favourite chair and follows me everywhere. She can understand words and talks back in her own way. She's a part of the family and I never feel alone when she's here. Kray is often outside rambling around the city rooftops and hanging out with her pals, who look like the cast of Top Cat. They bring presents of birds to me every so often, which is, er, nice. The best thing about cats is they're so independent and low maintenance. But they're not without drama. She got fleas last month which involved a visit by Rentokil. She went missing a while ago for about three days and the whole house was devastated until she finally turned up with a broken leg. The vet checked for a microchip and we found out that Kray wasn't Kray - but Nemo, a four year old male. 'She'was in fact a 'he', whose address was two doors down. I'll never get used to Kray being a boy. She - or he - is ours now, in a situation agreed by all, but mostly Kray herself. Facts from the Petmania Cat Report 60% would bring a cat on holiday 23% would bring their cats shopping 26% say their cat found them 34% of cats were strays 40% of owners got their cats from rescue centre 63% of cat owners also have a dog 45% of cats are not microchipped 63% of cats live indoors, with outdoor access Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
30-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Lone parent families at 'highest risk of poverty'
Lone parent families, large families, and households with a working-age disabled adult face the highest risks of persistent at-risk-of-poverty and deprivation according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). New research published in partnership with the Department of Social Protection examined persistent income poverty and material deprivation between 2015 and 2023. Material deprivation is the enforced inability to afford two or more essential goods and services considered the norm for a basic standard of living. Material deprivation fluctuated with the economic cycle and inflation, increasing in the recent period from 14% in 2021 to 17% in 2023 according to the study. The study found 22% of people experienced deprivation at least once in two consecutive years between 2016 and 2023 and almost half of these were in persistent deprivation. People who are "at risk of poverty" relates to those who have have a household income below 60% of the national median income. Approximately 21% of children in lone parent families were persistently at-risk-of-poverty, between 2016 and 2023 and an average 33% of them were persistently deprived. On average, 5% of Irish people, were both at risk of poverty and deprived between 2016 to 2023 according to the report. It says the annual at-risk-of-poverty rate declined from 16% in 2016 to 11% in 2023. While the persistent at-risk-of-poverty rate declined from 10% in 2015-2016 to 7% in 2022-2023, the latter shows the share of the population who were at risk of poverty for two years in a row, according to the ESRI. Women were more likely than men to experience transient (i.e. for one year) and persistent material deprivation. Households in the northern and western regions, people living with low-educated or unemployed household heads, and workless households were significantly more likely to experience transient and persistent poverty and deprivation. The ESRI has suggested the implementation of targeted policy measures to support lone parents, large families, and households with a person with disabilities is essential to address their high risk of poverty. It added that "timely adjustments" to social welfare payments, including pensions, "are critical" to protect vulnerable groups from inflation and economic disruptions.
