What is the Carers Grant Ireland? A Guide to the Carer's Support Grant

In 2025, the Carer's Support Grant was increased to €2,000, its highest ever level, reflecting the vital role of family caregivers across Ireland. So, what is the Carers Grant Ireland? It is an annual, non-means-tested payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) designed to provide financial support to those giving full-time care to a person in need.

Quick Summary

The Carer's Support Grant is an annual, non-taxable payment for full-time caregivers in Ireland. It is paid automatically to those receiving other specific social welfare payments, but others can apply independently. The grant is not means-tested and offers flexible use to support caring responsibilities.

Key Points

• Annual, Non-Means-Tested Payment: The Carer's Support Grant is an annual lump sum paid by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and is not subject to a means test.

• Not Taxable: The grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC, meaning carers can keep the entire amount.

• Automatic vs. Application-Based Eligibility: The payment is automatically issued to those receiving Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance, but others can apply separately.

• Flexible Use: Carers can use the grant for any purpose they wish, including respite care, household bills, or other expenses.

• Payment Per Person Cared For: A carer can receive a grant for each person they provide care for.

• Qualification Requirements: For standalone applicants, criteria include being over 16, residing in Ireland, providing full-time care for at least six months (including the first Thursday in June), and not working or studying more than 18.5 hours per week.

Understanding the Carer's Support Grant (CSG) in Ireland

The Carer's Support Grant (CSG), formerly the Respite Care Grant until 2016, is an annual payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP). It is intended to help with the costs associated with providing full-time care and can be used flexibly, including for respite care. For 2025, the grant amount is €2,000 for each person being cared for and is exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC.

How to Qualify for the Carer's Support Grant

Eligibility for the CSG depends on your circumstances, with routes for automatic payment or application. If you receive certain social welfare payments like Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), the CSG is paid automatically. If not, you can apply directly, needing to be over 16, ordinarily resident in Ireland, and providing continuous full-time care for at least six months, among other criteria. Working or studying more than 18.5 hours a week can disqualify you, as can receiving Jobseeker's payments or living in certain institutions.

Applying for the Carer's Support Grant

To apply if you don't receive automatic payment, use the CSG1 form, available from the DSP website (gov.ie), Intreo Centres, or Citizens Information Centres. Submit the completed form, including a medical report signed by the person's doctor, to the DSP's Carer's Support Grant Section. Applications for a year are accepted from April of that year until December 31st of the next year.

Carer's Support Grant vs. Carer's Allowance: A Comparison

Here's a comparison between the Carer's Support Grant and Carer's Allowance:

Feature	Carer's Support Grant	Carer's Allowance
Payment Type	Annual lump sum	Weekly payment
Means-Tested	No	Yes
Taxable	No	Yes
Automatic Payment	Yes, with certain other payments	No
Purpose	General support for caring expenses	Income support for low-income carers

Conclusion

The Carer's Support Grant offers essential annual financial help for carers in Ireland. It's a non-means-tested, non-taxable payment that carers can use as needed. Whether received automatically or via application, it's a vital resource for families providing full-time care. Knowing the eligibility and application details is crucial for accessing this support. Further details can be found on Irish government social welfare websites {Link: gov.ie https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/carers-support-grant/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Carers Grant Ireland in 2025?

In 2025, the Carer's Grant, officially known as the Carer's Support Grant, is €2,000. It was paid on the first Thursday in June 2025.

When is the Carer's Support Grant paid?

The Carer's Support Grant is paid once a year, typically on the first Thursday in June.

Is the Carer's Support Grant means-tested?

No, the Carer's Support Grant is not means-tested. However, the Carer's Allowance is a means-tested payment.

How do I apply for the Carer's Support Grant if I don't receive other payments?

You can apply by completing the Carer's Support Grant application form (CSG1), available on the Gov.ie website or from your local Citizens Information Centre.

Is the Carer's Support Grant a taxable payment?

No, the Carer's Support Grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC.

What is the difference between the Carer's Support Grant and Carer's Allowance?

The Carer's Support Grant is an annual, non-means-tested, and non-taxable lump sum, while the Carer's Allowance is a weekly, means-tested, and taxable income support payment.

Can I get the grant if I work part-time?

You can still qualify for the grant if you work, are self-employed, or attend a training course, as long as it is for no more than 18.5 hours per week.

Can I receive the grant for more than one person?

Yes, you can receive a Carer's Support Grant for each person you are providing full-time care for.

What was the Carer's Support Grant called before?

The Carer's Support Grant was previously known as the Respite Care Grant until 2016, when the name was changed to better reflect its flexible purpose.