Cork Carers Receive Record €2,000 Grant as 138,000 Nationwide Benefit from Increased Support

Over 16,400 carers across Cork will receive the highest-ever Carer's Support Grant of €2,000 today, as part of a nationwide payment to 138,000 dedicated family carers.

The annual grant, traditionally paid on the first Thursday in June, has been increased by €150 from last year's €1,850 rate, representing the largest single payment to Ireland's army of unpaid carers. Cork leads the country with 16,432 recipients, reflecting the county's significant caring community.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD announced the €313 million nationwide distribution, emphasising the vital role carers play in Irish society.

Minister Calleary said: "I am delighted to announce that 138,000 carers will receive the Carer's Support Grant of €2,000 today. This is one of a number of improvements introduced this year in recognition of the vital role of carers and the contribution they make to society."

The grant is paid automatically to recipients of Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, and Domiciliary Care Allowance, but is also available to other full-time carers who don't receive these payments. Crucially, the support is not means-tested and remains exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC.

For Cork's caring families, this represents significant practical support. Over 16,000 carers nationwide are providing care for multiple people and will receive the grant for each person they support, recognising the additional costs and challenges involved.

Minister Calleary added:

"As Minister for Social Protection, I recognise the crucial role family carers play in our society. You dedicate yourselves to providing care to support your loved ones and I want to take this opportunity to thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in our local communities."

To qualify for the grant, carers must be aged 16 or over, ordinarily resident in Ireland, and provide full-time care for at least six months. They must live with the person they care for or be contactable through direct communication systems.

The grant, originally introduced in 1999 as the Respite Care Grant at €254, was renamed the Carer's Support Grant in 2016 to better reflect how recipients use the funding.

Further information is available at www.gov.ie/csg.