The Department of Social Protection has also confirmed eligibility and application details
50 and 20 euro notes in a stock image(Image: Getty Images)
The Carer’s Support Grant is set to be paid out to thousands of individuals in the coming months, with the payment date now officially announced.
This annual benefit recognises the commitment and effort of those providing full-time care to loved ones, and recipients are free to use the money however they wish.
Those already receiving three specific payments from the Department of Social Protection will get the Carer’s Support Grant automatically, though others who qualify can apply for it.
Here’s everything you need to know, including the full list of who can claim the grant.
What is the Carer’s Support Grant?
The Carer’s Support Grant offers substantial help to countless carers across the country and will be paid on the first Thursday in June (5 June).
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary(Image: Collins)
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) pays the Carer’s Support Grant to carers each year. It was formerly called the Respite Care Grant.
The grant is open to all carers who provide full-time care to an elderly person or someone with a disability, regardless of their financial situation or social insurance contributions.
Recipients can spend the grant however they choose. Whilst it can be used to pay for respite care, this isn’t compulsory.
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Some use it for goods and services directly linked to caring, whilst others put it towards more typical everyday costs such as utility bills.
When is it paid?
The Carer’s Support Grant will be issued on the first Thursday in June (June 4).
Here’s a full list of individuals who can claim the grant.
The Carer’s Support Grant is automatically given to those receiving one of the following payments on the first Thursday in June:
Carer’s Allowance (both full rate and half-rate)Carer’s BenefitDomiciliary Care Allowance.
This grant is not subject to means testing.
Even if you’re not receiving one of these payments, you might still be eligible for the Carer’s Support Grant.
You must be:
Aged 16 or overOrdinarily resident in IrelandCaring for the person on a full-time basisCaring for the person for at least 6 months (this 6-month period must include the first Thursday in June)Living with the person being cared for (or if you don’t live with them, you must meet certain criteria – for example, the person must be able to contact you quickly and directly)
During this six-month period of care, you cannot:
Work more than 18.5 hours per week (as an employee or in self-employment)Take part in an education or training course for more than 18.5 hours a weekGet Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s BenefitSign on for credited contributionsLive in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution
If your baby or child is in hospital or another institution for medical treatment, you could be eligible for the Carer’s Support Grant. To receive the grant, your baby or child must qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance.
How much does the Carer’s Support Grant amount to?
In 2026, the Carer’s Support Grant will be €2,000. In 2024, the Carer’s Support Grant was €1,850.
What happens if I’m caring for more than one person?
If you’re looking after several people, a grant is provided for each individual you care for.
How to apply
If you’re receiving Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, there’s no need to apply for the Carer’s Support Grant. It will be automatically credited to you in June.
However, if you’re not receiving one of the above payments, you should fill out a Carer’s Support Grant application form (CSG1) for each individual you’re caring for.
You can get the application form from your local Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens’ Information Centre.
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