Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced a €500 lump sum payment which will be paid this week to support over 114,500 carers with the cost of living.
This payment is one of eight lump sum payments designed to support families and households over the winter months.
The €500 Carer’s Support payment will be received in carers’ bank accounts on Thursday, costing a total of €57.3 million.
Announcing the details, Minister Humphreys said: “I’m very pleased to announce that over 114,500 carers and their families will receive a €500 lump sum payment this week to support them with the cost of living.
“This payment is in addition to the annual Carer’s Support Grant of €1,850 paid earlier this year.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in our local communities. our commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support is hugely important and is greatly appreciated.”
The payment is being made automatically to people receiving a Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance payment.
Those who received the annual Carer’s Support Grant in June and who have confirmed that they are still caring will also receive the €500 lump sum payment.
The annual Carer’s Support Grant is paid to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
Minister Humphreys added: “This payment of €500 is one of eight lump sum payments that I secured as part of the Budget to help households during this extremely challenging period.
“It follows the Autumn Double Payment last month, which supported 1.4 million pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and working families. It will be followed by the payment of the Christmas Bonus in December.
“We also last week issued four lump sum payments, totalling €325 million. These payments were designed for our elderly, and people with disabilities.
“This €1.2 billion package of lump sum payments is about helping families and our most vulnerable with the rising costs they are facing over the winter period.”