Changes to the carer’s allowance are set to benefit almost 200 families in Kerry.
From next Thursday, (3 July) the amount of income that people can earn without affecting their right to qualify for the means-tested Carer’s Allowance payment will increase.
The income disregard will rise from €450 per week to €625 per week for single carers, and from €900 per week to €1,250 per week for carers with a spouse or partner.
The Department of Social Protection expects the changes will immediately benefit 196 family carers in Kerry who are currently receiving the carer’s allowance but will now receive higher payments.
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley has welcomed the reform, saying "carers make a vital contribution to the wellbeing of their loved ones and [the] wider society".
