The Minister for Social Protection has introduced changes to the means test for carers.
In addition, the annual Carer’s Support Grant will be paid to 121,000 carers and their families.
The annual grant of €1,850 is available 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.
Speaking to RedFM News, County Councillor John Paul O'Shea detailed some of the changes:
"The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys introduced changes to the means test for carers for the first time in 14 years. This means that many more people in Cork will now be eligible for the Carers Allowance. The Capital Disregard for carers will be increased from €20,000 to €50,000. And furthermore, the weekly income disregard for Carers Allowance will increase to €350 for a single carer and €750 per week for a couple".
