Later life · Ireland

Carer's Allowance calculator

If you care full-time for someone, Carer's Allowance is means-tested, and the rules changed in July 2026: a much bigger part of a couple's income is now ignored. See what you could get a week, using the Department's own means test and rate table.

You and the person you care for
Household income and savings (a week, before tax)
Official rules: Citizens Information: Carer's Allowance (disregards, Budget 2027 changes, how means and capital are assessed) and the Department of Social Protection's Rates of Payment 2026 (SW19) rate tables, read 3 November 2026. The 2027 rates add the announced €10 to the 2026 table (×1.5 for two or more people). PRSI is estimated from your gross pay. The Department decides your actual rate. General information, not advice. Who qualifies, the full means test and how to apply: our Carer’s Allowance guide.

Estimated Carer's Allowance

€280.00
a week (maximum €280.00)
Weekly means assessed€0.00
Income ignored€2,000 a week
Apply at MyWelfare.ie. You also get the Carer's Support Grant in June.

How the means test works

The Department adds your cash income (earnings after PRSI, pension contributions and union subscriptions, plus other income) and a weekly value for savings above €50,000. It ignores the first €1,000 a week for a single person or €2,000 for a couple (from 2 July 2026; €1,150 and €2,300 from July 2027). For a couple, half of what is left is your weekly means. Up to €7.60 of means, you get the full rate; after that, the payment falls by €2.50 for every €2.50 of means.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Carer's Allowance in 2026 and 2027?
€270 a week if you are under 66 and care for one person (€308 at 66 or over), 50% more if you care for two or more people. Budget 2027 adds €10 from January 2027 (€280).

How much can my spouse earn and I still get Carer's Allowance?
From 2 July 2026, the first €2,000 a week of a couple's income is ignored (€2,300 from July 2027). Above that, half of the excess counts as your weekly means, and the payment falls by €2.50 for every €2.50 of means.

Does my own part-time job count?
Yes, you can work or study up to 18.5 hours a week and your earnings count in the means test after PRSI, pension contributions and union subscriptions.

Do savings affect it?
The first €50,000 of savings and investments (not your home) is ignored. A couple’s combined capital is halved before the €50,000 disregard is applied.

What else comes with it?
The Carer's Support Grant every June, a GP visit card, Free Travel and, if you live with the person you care for, the Household Benefits Package.

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