91 Wexford carers to benefit with major Carer's Allowance boost

Ninety-one carers in County Wexford will receive an increase in their Carer's Allowance payments from today following the largest ever increase in the weekly income disregards for the scheme.

Housing Minister and Wexford TD James Browne has welcomed the changes, saying they will provide greater financial support for carers across the county while allowing more families to qualify for assistance.

The new measures increase the weekly income disregard from €625 to €1,000 for a single carer and from €1,250 to €2,000 for a couple, meaning carers can earn significantly more before their payment is affected.

The changes also raise the income limit for Carer's Benefit from €625 to €1,000 per week.

Across the country, almost 2,700 carers will receive higher payments from today, while virtually all Carer's Allowance recipients will now receive the maximum rate of payment.

Under the revised thresholds, a two-adult household with an income of around €110,000 can continue to receive the full Carer's Allowance, while a partial payment remains available for households earning up to approximately €138,000.

A single carer working part-time can now earn up to €50,000 annually while retaining the full Carer's Allowance.

Welcoming the changes, Minister Browne said they represent another important step in strengthening supports for carers in Wexford.

"I have worked with Minister Dara Calleary on this. It marks another important step in strengthening supports for family carers in Wexford and across the country."

He added that increasing the income disregard thresholds will ensure more carers can access financial assistance while continuing to provide essential care for loved ones.

Minister Browne said the changes also move the Government closer to its commitment to phase out the means test for Carer's Allowance over the lifetime of the current Government.

The revised income limits come into effect from today and are expected to make the scheme accessible to many carers who previously did not qualify because of their household income.