Money & Benefits
You may be entitled to a number of supports including . . .
A means tested payment to someone caring for a person on a full time basis who needs full time care.
Payable with certain other social welfare payments.
A social insurance payment made for up to 104 weeks to someone who gives up work in order to care for an incapacitated person.
If you are an employee and have given one year’s service, you may be entitled to up to 104 weeks leave to provide full-time care for someone.
An annual cash payment to carers who have been providing full-time care for at least 6 months, subject to certain criteria.
A monthly payment made to the carer of a child with a severe disability who lives at home.
Tax Relief for Employing a Carer
You may claim tax relief in respect of the cost of employing a carer. This is possible whether you employ a carer directly or if you employ an agency to provide a carer.
Incapacitated Child Tax Credit
You could be entitled to this if you are caring for a permanently incapacitated child.
This scheme makes it easier for you to qualify for your Contributory State Pension if you give up work to care for someone.
You may qualify for electricity, gas and telephone allowances and a free television license.
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
This mean-tested grant is for those who have to make changes or adaptations to their home to make it suitable to live in, for example, making it wheelchair-accessible. It is available to people with physical, sensory or intellectual disability, or those with mental health difficulty.
The person for whom you are caring, may be entitled to a grant support from the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs that is administered by local community and voluntary groups. This grant covers the cost of buying and installing a personal alarm, external security lighting and monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Mobility & Transport
May be available for you to travel on State public transport with the person you are caring for.
Disabled Person’s Parking Card
Available to those with a specific disability or mobility impairment. It can be used in any vehicle in which the disabled person travels, whether they are the driver or not.
Tax Relief for Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers
This scheme provides a range of reliefs linked to the purchase and use of vehicles by disabled drivers and disabled passengers.
A grant available to people with disabilities who want to buy a car or adapt an existing car.
This is a means-tested allowance paid by the HSE to people who are unable to walk.
A grant primarily available for older people for works carried out in the home, designed to address mobility problems. People with disability can also apply for this means-tested grant.
Citizens Information provides an overview on the various supports that may apply to you depending on your specific circumstances.
Health Services for Patients
The person for whom you are caring may be entitled to a number of health services from the Health Service Executive (HSE). These entitlements are primarily based on residency in Ireland and are mainly means tested.
These services include . . .
Entitles the holder to certain health services free of charge.
You may qualify for this if you are not eligible for a Medical Card. It allows you to visit your family doctor free of charge.
People suffering with nominated conditions may be eligible for this scheme which facilitates access to free drugs and medical appliances, which are necessary for the treatment and management of their condition.
If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, under this scheme the amount you pay per month is capped, for approved prescribed drugs and certain medical appliances.
The main priority of this scheme, which is provided by the HSE, is to help an older person to be cared for in their own home. The services are tailored to individual needs and may include additional home help hours, nursing care, physiotherapy, respite care etc. There is no national guideline on how means is assessed when applying for Home Care Packages. Schemes and availability may differ according to where you live.
Citizens Information provides information on entitlements that may apply depending on circumstances.
