The register for long-term carers to apply for a pension is being opened today.
Last week, the Government announced that anyone who has been caring for a loved one for over 20 years will be entitled to a State pension from the 1st of January.
In the meantime, carers are being invited to register with the Department of Social Protection from today to see if they qualify.
Catherine Cox from Family Carers Ireland says the measure is long overdue:
"Family Carers Ireland have lobbied for over 20 years for a pension for long-term careers. So today is a great day. Thousands more family carers now, when they reach pension age, rather than being penalised for their caring years, they will be recognised for those years so this is really positive".
