Three thousand Westmeath carers receive €2000 grant

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, TD, has announced that the Carer’s Support Grant will be paid to 138,000 carers across the country today, including 3,227 in Westmeath.

The grant is not taxable and 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.

The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers.

Robert Troy, TD, Minister of State, welcomed the confirmation from his party colleague Minister Calleary: “The Carer’s Support Grant this year has been increased by €150, to €2,000, its highest level ever. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society.

“The grant will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. It is also available to other full-time carers not receiving these payments and is paid in respect of each person being cared for.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers for the vital and valuable contribution they play in our society and in our local communities.”

Further information on the Carer’s Support Grant is available at www.gov.ie/csg.