How much income can I have for Carer's Allowance?

From 2 July 2026, the first €1,000 a week isn't counted for one person, or €2,000 for a couple. From July 2027 it's €1,150 and €2,300. A couple's means are then halved.

How do my means cut the payment?

The full rate is paid if your means are €7.60 a week or less. Above that, €2.50 comes off for each €2.50, or part of it. Means of €63 take €57.50 off €270, leaving €212.50.

What's the difference with Carer's Benefit?

Carer's Benefit comes from your PRSI, not your income. It pays €271 a week for up to 104 weeks for each person, if you take home €1,000 a week or less.

Carers and disability

Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit

What you'd get a week for full-time caring: Carer's Allowance after the check on your income, or Carer's Benefit from your PRSI.

Self-assessment tool. The figures come from your own answers. It isn't advice, and you're responsible for what you file or claim. heypenny.ie is a trading name of Kinch Press. Read the disclaimer.

Common questions

How much income can I have for Carer's Allowance?: From 2 July 2026, the first €1,000 a week isn't counted for one person, or €2,000 for a couple. From July 2027 it's €1,150 and €2,300. A couple's means are then halved.
How do my means cut the payment?: The full rate is paid if your means are €7.60 a week or less. Above that, €2.50 comes off for each €2.50, or part of it. Means of €63 take €57.50 off €270, leaving €212.50.
What's the difference with Carer's Benefit?: Carer's Benefit comes from your PRSI, not your income. It pays €271 a week for up to 104 weeks for each person, if you take home €1,000 a week or less.

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