Budget 2024 was announced on the tenth of October 2023. The Budget sets out an overall multi-billion package of spending increases, once-off payments and tax cuts. With all the billions, how much of this will trickle down to parents of children with special needs?
The one thing that pleased me the most is to see in Budget 2024 the means-test for Carer’s Allowance becoming slightly more generous. Currently, a single person’s first €350 earned income is disregarded. This will move to €450 per week. Similar for couples, from €750 to €900 per week.
Asset values remain at €50,000. If you have been one of the unlucky parents to be means-tested lately and had any reduction in your Carer’s Allowance. with Budget 2024 now might be the time to reassess and hopefully see a restoration of your payment.
Other increases to note;
Domiciliary Allowance €330 to €340 per month
Disability Allowance €220 to €232 per week
Carer’s Allowance €236 to €248 per week
Carer’s Benefit €237 to €249 per week
Home Carer’s Tax Credit €1,700 to €1,800 per annum
Incapacity Child Tax Credit €3,300 to €3,500 per annum
A one-off additional payment of €400 will be paid in November to recipients of Carer’s Support Grant, Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance.
