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How much is the Carer’s Support Grant in 2022?

The annual Grant for 2022 is €1,850 and will be paid on Thursday 2nd of June by the Department of Social Protection. If you are caring for more than one person, you are entitled to a payment for each person you are caring for. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you will automatically be enrolled for this Grant.

Who Else Can Claim the Carer’s Support Grant?

Over the years, I have come across many families entitled to this payment but were unaware. If you don’t automatically qualify each year, but one of the parents provides full-time care and is not working outside of the home for more than 18.5-hrs per week, they may still be entitled to this payment. It is not means-tested, so you do not have to declare your financial situation but more based on one parent being a full-time Carer.

To apply, you need to complete the application form CSG 1 in respect of each person you are caring for. Once granted, the Department will send you a letter and a short 2-page questionnaire in April of each year. You must return the completed questionnaire as it will be used to assess your claim for that year.

Can I back claim the Carer’s Support Grant?

It is not too late if you just missed out on the June payment. You can apply for the Grant at any time until 31 December 2022. For more information, you can contact Carer’s Support Grant Section on 043 334 0000 or https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16220307-carers-support-grant/

Did the Carer’s Support Grant go up in Budget 2022?

The Carer’s Support Grant was €1,700 in 2021, and because of Budget 2022, there was an increase of €150. This is the highest it has been and a welcome change from the significant cut parents faced during the crash of 2008 when it was reduced to €1,375.

What is the Respite Care Grant?

The Respite Care Grant was the old name for the Grant, and this had a name change as parents assumed the money could only be used for respite. Carer’s Support Grant is the new name, and the money has no restriction on how it is to be spent. Most of my families use the money for their summer holidays.

Is the Carer’s Support Grant taxable?

Carer’s Support Grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC, and you do not have to inform the Revenue of your payment. Domiciliary Care Allowance is also tax-free, but Carers Allowance and Carers Benefit are taxable sources of income and should be declared to the Revenue.

Where can I go for more information on the Carer’s Support Grant?

You can log on to the Department of Social Protection website for more terms and conditions and download the CSG 1 form. https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16220307-carers-support-grant/